Community volunteers are being given an opportunity to get involved in an exciting and rewarding project as part of the First World War commemorative events.
It is estimated that there are 100,000 war memorials throughout the UK taking many different forms, such as obelisks, crosses, rolls of honour, lych gates, community buildings and playing fields. Throughout the centenary we would like to ensure that they are a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. Over the next four years we will be helping volunteers throughout England to record the condition of their local war memorials and take steps to ensure they are conserved and protected for the future.
Volunteer involvement in the project is vital to its success. Civic Voice, in partnership with English Heritage, Imperial War Museums and War Memorials Trust, is asking for volunteers to carry out condition surveys of their local war memorials. This will provide an overall picture of the condition of memorials throughout England and enable funding to be directed to those in need of conservation. Volunteers will also be encouraged to apply to have their local memorials listed, giving them protection for the future. A series of workshops is being organised to provide volunteers with all the necessary training, and ongoing support will be provided by Civic Voice and the War Memorials Trust.
A programme of workshops is being organised across England with several taking place in the South West. They will provide volunteers with the opportunity to discuss the project and find out how to identify and record the condition of their local war memorials. From the workshop volunteers will gain:
- Background information about the project
- Training to undertake a condition survey.
- Training on how to record survey results on the War Memorials Online website
- The chance to meet staff from the War Memorials Trust
- The chance to ask questions
- A resource pack containing all the necessary information to get you started.
Planned Workshops in the South West:
- 8 April 2015 in Bristol
- 8 July 2015 in Plymouth
- 25 September 2015 in Exeter
- 6 October 2015 in Truro
- 24 and 25 October in Bristol
- 6 January 2016 in Taunton
Anyone interested in getting involved in the project can visit: www.civicvoice.org.uk/campaigns/war-memorials-/ to find out more and register their interest or to book a place on one of the workshops.
It is a great opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to an important part of your local heritage. If you require any further information about the project please do not hesitate to contact Anna Wilson, Senior Development Officer (War Memorials).