Local war heroes’ lives to be Carved in Stone

· by · in Arts and culture, Events, History. ·

Merton’s war history is set to be Carved in Stone thanks to the descendants of the borough’s First World War heroes.

Carved in Stone picAs part of the new Carved in Stone project, the council’s heritage team will be hosting War Story Days to interview Merton residents whose relatives fought in the First World War, or supported the local war effort. Anyone who would like to take part and help to document this important part of history can get in touch with the heritage team by emailing or calling 020 8545 3239/4038. Information provided through the interviews and the Carved in Stone project will be added to the Merton Memories website, making it readily accessible to all. A range of exhibitions and school resources will also be produced by the heritage team.

With three War Story Days being held over the summer, there is an opportunity for everyone to find out about the role of Merton residents on the Home Front as well as the life stories of combatants through special talks, exhibitions and activities. The events will be taking place on the following dates:

  • Saturday 23 May 2015, 10am-4pm

Morden Library – Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX

  • Saturday 20 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

Acacia Centre – 230 Grove Road, Mitcham Eastfields, CR4 1SD

  • Saturday 1 August 2015, 11am – 5pm

New Wimbledon Studio Theatre – The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG

Following Merton Council’s successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant of £80,900, the Carved in Stone project aims to explore the lives of Merton residents who served during the First World War, especially those commemorated on local war memorials and grave markers across the borough. The project will ensure that details of the lives and experiences of Merton people during the First World War can be collected and recorded whilst information and memorabilia can still be made available by their immediate family.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said:  “Carved in Stone commemorates those from Merton who gave their lives in World War One.  It celebrates ordinary men and women – people just like you and me, from streets and a community that are still recognisable 100 years on. This is history brought to life in poignant detail. It’s excellent and your borough at its best. Please come and be part of it. ”

To find out more about the Carved in Stone project and the War Story Days, visit www.merton.gov.uk/CarvedinStone.

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