Sue McGeevor, Cyril Pearce, Elaine Merckxx, Neal Rigby

‘Lest we forget’ invites the public to consider the impact of World War I (WW I) on communities in Yorkshire, and includes a programme of talks that aim to inspire curiosity and provoke new thought, featuring a wide variety of talks that will appeal to both local and family historians in addition to people with an interest in WW I. Stallholders from local and family history societies will also be available throughout the day to answer your queries.

Highlights of the day include talks by Sue McGeevor and Cyril Pearce, who look at the effects of war on personal lives from Women’s Auxiliary Movement to 1914 – 1918 war resisters (Conscientious Objectors). Those interested in learning more about the extent of impact of WWI on the local area can attend a talk by Dr Rebecca Gill who will be speaking about Belgian refugees that settled around Huddersfield and Middlestown.

Elaine Merckxx and Neal Rigby will be discussing the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation and its role in the Great War. Adrian Barlow, from the Kempe Trust will give a talk on stained glass artist Charles Eamer Kempe, whose work can be seen in several parish churches in Yorkshire including St Paul’s Mirfield, All Saints Clayton West and St Mary’s Horbury Junction. There are also examples of Kempe’s work in York Minster, Wakefield Cathedral and Bradford Cathedral.

Visitors can see first-hand the process in which a stained glass window is created in a live demonstration of stained glass making by local artist Adam Goodyear, who recently restored the WWI memorial windows at St. Luke’s Church, Middlestown.

The day will be of interest to members of the public who may wish to learn more about The Great War and its local connections and people with an interest in stained glass, in particular the work of Charles Eamer Kempe in Yorkshire.

Visitors are encouraged to book in advance as places for the talks are limited; all bookings will receive a 10% discount to use in the Museum Café for the day of the event.

The event is free: to book please email info@ncm.org.uk

For information about the events visit www.ncm.org.uk or call 01924 848806.