News

Pals Commemoration 1 July 2020

Coronavirus restrictions reduced the annual Pals’ commemoration to very small impromptu gatherings, including a handful of WW1 Group members who met at the Pals’ memorial on 1 July.   The Chairman gave a brief, impromptu appreciation of the immense cost of the losses sustained on that day in 1916 and placed a wreath on behalf of the group.  Another member then read a short poem by Somme survivor Walter Hare.

In France, Jean-Luc Tabary, the Mayor of Hébuterne, placed the wreath at the Pals’ memorial on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Bradford and the WW1 Group.  The position of this memorial on the Front line of 1 July 1916 could not be more appropriate.  It’s difficult to fully express our gratitude to Mayor Jean-Luc for offering this site, his organising of the installation by local builders and for his ongoing care in maintaining the area.

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Sharing Remembrance 2019

Riff and James from Bradford Council’s Communities Team take delivery of 8 displays devised by the Bradford WW1 Group telling the story of the Commonwealth Contribution.

Sharing Remembrance displays.

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CWGC Foundation, Lest We Forget 2019

The WW1 Group supported Elizabeth Smith, Public Engagement Officer CWGC, in staging this event at City Hall.  Visitors came from far and wide.  An old boy of St Bede’s, now a Liverpool resident, commented on the resounding success of an impressive day.  A WW1Group member from Barnard Castle brought photographs and documents relating to her father who served with the Ilkley Artillery Battery. She was delighted that treasured family memories were received with such enthusiasm and empathy.  An officer’s compass, and miniature versions of his medals including the Military Cross, were also among the dozens of family objects.

The pictures show:

Lord Mayor Cllr Zafar Ali and WW1 expert examining the Bradford Roll of Honour, a mask worn by tank personnel and various documents plus an officers compass.

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Rockwell Centre 2019

The WW1 Group display banners were on show at the community centre for a week and were followed by a presentation to regular users of the centre.

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Bradford Community Stars Awards 2019

This annual event is designed to reward unsung heroes across the Bradford District who strive to make a difference in their local communities.  In 2019 a Special Recognition Award was made to the Bradford WW1 Group for their programme of displays and talks given to community groups and school as part of their Sharing Remembrance project.

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