The Commandery in Worcester Invites Veterans to Share Their Stories

Post

Subscribe

Armed forces veterans from the 1950s to the present day are being invited to share their stories as part of a project to shinea light on their experiences.

The Mercian Regiment Museum (Worcestershire), Museums Worcestershire and the Worcestershire Yeomanry Museum are working in partnership to develop the new Worcestershire Soldier Gallery at The Commandery and hope to include memories from local people serving across the globe.

Veterans who have served in any of the regular or reserve regiments, including The Worcestershire Regiment, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, the Mercian Regiment and the Queens Own Worcester and Warwickshire Yeomanry are invited to share their stories.



Oral historian Emma Golby-Kirk said: “We are keen to hear from those who served as either officers or in the non-commissioned ranks. First-hand accounts are essential for us to understand the experiences of those who served their country and as we approach significant anniversaries of the Second World War there is a narrow window to collect memories for the generation who undertook National Service for their country between 1948 and 1960. Shining a light on this little-known chapter in British history could inspire today’s young people to consider what could be gained if some form of National Service were brought back in for them – skills and training, friendships, a sense of purpose, something else or nothing at all?”

Dr John Paddock, Curator of the Mercian Regiment Museum said: “Some of the stories we collect will be included in the new Worcestershire Soldier exhibition at The Commandery with all preserved in a digital archive. Oral histories are an important and accessible means for us to bring our exhibition to life as they tell the human stories behind the medals, weaponry and uniforms.”

The Oral History project is part of the Worcestershire Soldier at The Commandery project, funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which aims to create an engaging and educational space that celebrates the rich military history of Worcestershire with a focus on the experience of its soldiers. The project has also received support from the UK Government’s Townsfund.

Participants can be interviewed in their homes, a local community centre or military venue with interviews expected to last between one and two hours. For more information contact Emma Golby-Kirk via text or phone call: 07931 736739 or via email [email protected]

For more information about The Worcestershire Soldier at The Commandery, visit here.

#community
#arts_culture
%wnbirmingham