With just a month to go to the WW1 multi media commemoration at Holy Trinity Church, Southport, the latest activity to be included is a free screening of the feature film Journey’s End.
Set in a dugout in Aisne in 1918, the film, released this year, reveals the story of a group of British officers, led by the mentally disintegrating young officer Stanhope, as they await their fate. The screening (12A) will be at the church on Hoghton Street, Southport, on Friday 9 November 7.30pm. It will be free and people can just turn up.
This film kicks off a week of events, organised by Trinity Arts, which includes a gallery of images and stories, live poetry readings with people dressed as WW1 soldiers, a poignant flower display, video reports, schools participation, silhouettes, talks from special guests, and original artwork. There will also be items from WW1 on display including original cigarette boxes, a cartoon book featuring soldiers, medals and more. Children’s activities will be available, including making a tissue-paper poppy wreath.
The activities above are on Saturday 10 November, 10am – 4pm, and on the Sunday there will be a Remembrance Service with a two minute silence and the laying of wreaths. On Friday 16 November in the Parish Centre at 1pm, there will be a pianist playing war-time songs, which people can sing along to. All events are free but there will be opportunities to donate to the poppy collection and, at the film screening, to the charity Combat Stress.
Organiser Joy Aldred, of Trinity Arts, said that the event had become much bigger than anyone expected. “Thanks to media coverage, so many people have got in touch to share their families’ stories and their tales are amazing and so poignant. They’re not just about WW1, we are also remembering those who fought in WW2. Just a few highlights to mention include diaries from prisoners of war in both conflicts, a story of someone who deserted – because he wanted to fight at the Front, a Southport lass who helped defend London in WW2, by being a barrage balloon operator, and an Untold Story of a soldier in WW1, whose family knew nothing about his experiences until he died. Then they discovered a cupboard full of memorabilia, from which we’ve pieced together part of his life at the Front. That memorabilia will be on display on the Saturday and is fascinating.”
A timetable of events will be available nearer the time, meanwhile check out www.trinityarts.org.uk or follow on Facebook @SouthportTrinityArtsFestival
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