Focus on the Great War

Warton is to host its fourth annual First World War exhibition at the village hall.
Austin Clutterbuck tries on the uniform and gas mask at a previous First World War eventAustin Clutterbuck tries on the uniform and gas mask at a previous First World War event
Austin Clutterbuck tries on the uniform and gas mask at a previous First World War event

This year marks the centenary of the battle of Passchendaele, and two local soldiers who died there will be commemorated at the event on June 3.

The first exhibition in the village related to the Great War was held in 2014 to mark the centenary its outbreak but organiser Sue Parkin, a Bryning-with-Warton parish councillor, saw that there was enough local interest to create a whole annual series.

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She said: “A total of nine Warton men died in the war and two of those were lost at Passchendaele – Private Edward Ibbison and Private Henry Robinson Wilson, who was only 19.

“This year’s event will focus on life for families at home as well as life for the men abroad: there will be genuine items from a home of the time as well items from the battlefield.

“Racing pigeons will represent the animals in the war and honey bees will remind us that sugar was in short supply.

“Early planes will be another focus with models including a large replica of the Red Baron’s plane.

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“Local craftspeople will be making suitable items and local artists will be sketching and painting. A uniformed ‘Tommy’ will tell of life on home leave & Royal British Legion will be present.

“Members of Fylde Day Centre have contributed art items and there will be 1917 refreshments and lots more to see and do.

A bugler will play the Last Post at the village flagpole at about 4pm and Warton’s dance school will end the event with their dance – ‘Keep the home fires burning’.

Sue says “Everyone is welcome to this free community event which is suitable for all ages. It is important that we remember the sacrifice of local men and their families.”

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