A civic service to launch First World War Peace Commemorations
MEMBERS of two Burton churches have launched a World War I Centenary Peace Project aided by a £10,000 National Lottery Grant.
Thanks to National Lottery players, a Civic Service at All Saints Church, Branston Road on Wednesday 8th August recalled the start of the 100-day offensive by the Allies which drew hostilities to an end, while signalling the start of Burton Peace 100. Within the service were talks from local historians on the impact and contributions in WW1 from Burton, African and Caribbean communities, and of Muslim soldiers from undivided India. A Royal British Legion Silent Soldier Silhouette was also unveiled, and Burton cadets read Thomas Hardy’s poem ‘And There Was A Great Calm.’
The community project initiated by members of All Saints Church Burton and St Saviour’s Church Branston will commemorate the end of the First Wold War, celebrating the peace which followed and the rich diversity of nationalities and ethnic groups in our town.
Said Vicar Rev’d Dave Collier: “We worship a God of peace who is for everyone, not just the people in church, and the bible tells us that Jesus gave us his peace. So the question is, as peace-lovers, not ‘why are we involved’, rather ‘why on earth would our church members not be involved’ in this project.”
Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond. Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF has already invested almost £100 million to more than 1,900 projects – large and small – that are marking this global Centenary. With our small grants programme, we are enabling even more communities like those involved in Burton Peace 100 to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help local people broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”
Burton Peace 100 future events are set to include a Commonwealth Supper, Community Peace Day and a History Focus Day.
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For more information contact Project Manager Helen Duke on 01283 749162.
Notes to Editors
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk.
To date, almost £100million in HLF grants has been awarded to projects across the UK so they can mark the Centenary and explore all aspects of First World War heritage that matters to them. Through its First World War: then and now programme, HLF is making at least £1million available per year for six years until 2019. It is providing grants between £3,000 and £10,000 enabling communities and groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.
To find out how to apply for funding visit www.hlf.org.uk/thenandnow If a group needs a grant of more than £10,000 for a First World War project, it can apply to HLF through its open programmes www.hlf.org.uk/firstworldwar
Holiday
Club
Local children enjoyed three mornings packed full of
activities and games based on the themes of Friendship, Peace and
Forgiveness. A highlight of the week being a workshop lead by Shannen
Lang from the Bradford peace Museum. 15th-17th
August 2018.
Vintage Cream
Tea and Flower Festival. August 27th Bank
Holiday Monday, at St Saviour’s Church.
Each floral
display depicted a passage from the bible and a correlating
reflection on the Frist World war, reflecting the peace and
sacrifice.
Dates for your diary
Saturday 15th September. Home-front Jumble Sale. St Saviour’s Church, Branston
Jumble sale and exhibitions highlighting the enormous Home-front effort during WW1.
Image: British troops refreshing horses – National Library of Scotland – License: Creative Commons BY 4.0
