Ombersley Remembers
the World War 1 Home Front
A look at life in Ombersley during the war years
Marie Jones and Lesley Welch round up on a successful project …
Ombersley Remembers – Signing Off
The Heritage Lottery Funded Project, ‘Ombersley Remembers the WW1 Home Front’, came to an end on 17 November. The centenary of the end of WW1 gave us the opportunity to understand the war better, uncover its stories and explore what it means to us today. It focused on life at home during the war years in a rural village. Over the past 23 months we enjoyed researching who lived in the houses during 1914-18, history talks, Blue Plaque Walk and Cycle Ride, Soup Kitchen, Blackberry Jam Afternoon Tea, Oral Interviews ……to name but a few.
On Thursday 15 November children from Ombersley, Sytchampton, Hindlip and Tibberton Schools sang songs and read poems, the Hand Bell Ringers played familiar tunes which we were able to sing along to and members from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Association in their fine uniforms marched down the aisle at St. Andrews Church for a remembrance service. The Last Post was sounded at 11 a.m. followed by an exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and artwork by the children. The church bells rang loud and clear to mark the occasion.
On Saturday 17 November Philip Serrell, Auctioneer and Antiques Expert, opened the exhibition at the Memorial Hall. He said he believed Ombersley was the best village in the county as people were keen to bring everyone together.
He unveiled a commissioned painting by local artist, Pat King, and declared the exhibition open. The atmosphere in the hall was lively as people moved around the various exhibits under Union Jack bunting. Jenni Waugh, Community Historian, brought the audience to a standstill as they listened intently to her talk on the history of local families and properties. She received a well deserved enthusiastic applause!! Everyone then walked to the wedding field to take part in an aerial photograph to commemorate the event. It was a sunny but cold day so thank you to all who took part.
Concert: 17 November – Over 90 people attended a poignant and yet fun evening. There was a lot of laughter, singing and flag waving with the audience participating in well known songs from the era. Andy Casserley, Pat Gale and the Drama Group entertained. Special thanks go to Max and Di Sievewright and Lynne Larnder for their sterling work with the food preparation and to Sue Hughes for her splendid cake.
It might be the end of the project but it is not THE END. If you have any data, photos etc please get in touch. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS PROJECT POSSIBLE.
Marie Jones and Lesley Welch – Project Co-ordinators.
December 2018