Ombersley Remembers
the World War 1 Home Front
A look at life in Ombersley during the war years
About Us
Ombersley Memorial Hall has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £10,000 to mark the Centenary of the First World War 1914-1918.
The Centenary is a chance to understand the war better, uncover its stories and explore what it means to us today. HLF wants to make a real difference for heritage, people and communities and particularly help young people understand more about the heritage of the First World War and take an active part in the Centenary celebrations.
The Hall Committee are leading a partnership project for the village which will run through into Autumn 2018 when the national 100 year commemorations will be concluded.
The project coordinators are Lesley Welch and Marie Jones. The full programme of events and activities is being developed as the project progresses and these will be publicised locally on websites, in the parish magazine and leaflets.
Remembering the WW1 Home Front
Ombersley Memorial Hall was opened in 1923 to commemorate lives lost of men from the village. The land was given by the then Lord Sandy’s and the building was funded by contributions from local benefactors. The Hall Committee are leading a partnership project, the key aspects of which have already been agreed with the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Our project will focus on the Home Front and what it was like in Ombersley during the war years. What were people doing to support the war initiative and to keep the local community going? A Research Archivist will support anyone interested who would like to learn the skills of researching family history by using internet tools as well as visiting local archives in The Hive and having a behind the scenes tour. Have you ever wanted to find out more about the people who used to live in your house? We can go back many years before the First World War as well.
This initial research will form the basis of resource materials which will be given to Ombersley Endowed First School. With the assistance of an Oral History Producer children will produce a radio programme bringing local history to life. These teaching materials will be used every year as part of the ongoing curriculum ensuring that pupils learn about Ombersley and the First World War. The schools work will also include visits to heritage venues such as local museums. It is hoped to include the heritage of the Sandy’s Estate and the influence of this important family on the community during the war years.
During the project history talks about the Home Front and women, and an “architectural walk” are being planned so look out for more information. A final event will be held at the Memorial Hall in November 2018 bringing all the things we find out about the village together for all to see. The School children will be performing; there will be an exhibition; re-enactors; music, and themed entertainment. We are hoping to have a House Trail during the celebration weekend where those of us who have researched our homes can invite people to come and listen to our story.