Living through World War One in three Norfolk Broadland Villages - Neatishead, Irstead & Barton Turf

Our project, which took place over two years, researched local families whose relatives served in the armed forces during World War One and also explored village life during that time. Local artefacts, documents, photographs and oral histories were all collected and used to create exhibitions across these three Norfolk villages during the course of 2014 and 2015. Things culminated in a three-day event at the New Victory Hall in Neatishead during the November Remembrance period in 2015. This was featured live on the evening broadcast of BBC Look East. The lives of one hundred and thirty-six local men who served were researched and displayed at the event, which also unveiled a commemorative plaque in their memory that was dedicated during an ecumenical service held in the hall. Other elements of the event included an exhibition about life in the three villages during the conflict, along with a hands-on display of war-time artefacts, which now make up the contents of a 'Community Chest'. A play based on the life of a soldier living in our villages at the time of the First World War was commissioned for the project and performed by our local drama group. The group also organised a Living History Day held at the local primary school. Delivered by nine volunteers from the villages, the project was funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund's 'First World War: Then and Now' scheme. The result of our work enhanced knowledge for those who took part and visited our project events. A dedicated website for the project now provides online access to our research, including a database containing information about the one hundred and thirty-six local men who fought during the conflict.