Mill towns remember the men who fell in Great War

The council is hosting events during the four-year commemoration period from 2014 as well as encouraging organisations and community groups to hold their own events.

It will also help co-ordinate the promotion of activities to remember those who affected by the war in towns and villages across Kirklees.

Groups or individuals wishing to get involved in the Lest We Forget campaign are invited to attend one of the following meetings: Friday May 17 from 9.30am to 11.30am at Huddersfield Town Hall or Wednesday May 22 from 2pm to 4pm at Dewsbury Town Hall.

The meetings will give information about projects in the planning process and about the First World War Centenary Partnership led by the Imperial War Museum.

They will also give people the opportunity to share ideas with other groups, gain inspiration to plan activities and give details how the council might be able to help promote commemoration events.

Representatives from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be attending to advise on grant funding available for anniversary projects.

Councillor Jean Calvert, cabinet member with responsibility for communities and leisure, said: “World War One claimed 16 million lives across the globe and had an impact on the lives of everyone. It marked a turning point in world history and it is only right that we remember those people who were affected and understand the consequences the war had on our own street or town. Unfortunately there are very few people alive today who can directly share their experience of life during the war, and there is always a risk that such historic events will be lost in time.

“We hope to encourage a vibrant programme of cultural events which will enable people of all ages to find out more about the war. The council has already signed up as a member of the Imperial War Museum’s Centenary Partnership Programme.”

To book a place at a network meeting contact Joanne Catlow on 01484 234024 or email [email protected]