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

As part of the new ‘Carved in Stone’ project, the council’s heritage team is hosting a War Story Day on Saturday 1 August at the New Wimbledon Studio Theatre on The Broadway, starting at 11am.

The team will be interviewing Merton residents whose relatives fought in the First World War, or supported the local war effort. Information provided through these interviews and the research undertaken during the project will be added to the Merton Memories website, making it readily accessible to all. A range of school resources will also be produced by the heritage team and released towards the end of this year, with a series of exhibitions scheduled for summer 2016.

The War Story Day will feature a range of special talks, displays and children’s craft sessions, giving the opportunity for everyone to find out about the role of Merton residents on the Home Front, as well as to discover the life stories of soldiers who fought for King and country one hundred years ago.

There will be the chance to view short archive films about life during World War One, the opportunity for visitors to take a closer look at wartime records and memorabilia, plus a series of local history talks by representatives of the Merton Heritage Service and the Museum of Wimbledon.

Merton Council’s Cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said: “The War Story Day 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 Day, visit www.merton.gov.uk/CarvedinStone.

-ENDS-