A Living Memory

Our volunteers recently helped a party of Silver Scheme older people enjoy a visit to the Pelsall History Society as part of the ‘Living memory’ project to commemorate the Battle of the Somme that took place 100 years ago.

The ‘Living Memory’ is a project by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Big Ideas Company that ensures that the 1.7 million people who died in the two world wars will never be forgotten.

It encouraged our community to discover, explore and remember their First and Second World War heritage – with everyone in Great Britain having at least one war grave located just three miles from their front door.

Manor Farm and our volunteers were one of only 141 groups that held 141 events to mark the 141 days of the Somme offensive from the 1 July–18 November 2016.

Local Pelsall author and historian Ken Wayman discussed his many books including ‘The True and Faithful Men’ and the wonderful ‘Sorrow into Pride;’ and our older people enjoyed memorabilia from the war years, explored Walsall heritage, examined artifacts and talked of the effect war has had on our Walsall communities.

Ken Wayman kindly explained some of the fascinating history of Pelsall and details of the many war veterans laid to rest at Ryecroft Cemetry in Walsall. He even showed a DVD of actual film footage from the infamous Battle of the Somme – taken 100 years ago this year!

The Pelsall History Society are themselves a fantastic group of local volunteers, dedicated to researching and preserving the history of Pelsall and the wider communities of Walsall for future generations and is well worth a visit.

Our sincere thanks go to the CWGC Living Memory project, Author Ken Wayman, Pelsall History Society and our many volunteers who ensure those who made the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Visit the CWGC website to discover more about the Living Memory projects.