WW2 enquiry from the University of Huddersfield

Jean Fortune has also passed on this request sent on behalf of Dr Janette Martin

 

I would be grateful if you could circulate this request to your members thanks very much Janette ‘Mixing it’ project Did a member of your family fight alongside the British in the Second World War or arrive as a war worker, prisoner of war or refugee? A research project at the University of Huddersfield is recording the histories of the different national groups which spent time in the North of England during World War II as part of a project investigating the diversity of Britain’s war time population. We are hoping to interview ex-service personnel, war workers and refugees but, as most are very elderly, we are also interested in speaking with their descendants. Besides recording memories and family stories the project team is looking for photographs, diaries and memorabilia. Information gathered by this project will feed into an exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North which opens in September 2015. If you can help we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Janette Martin, j.martin@hud.ac.uk, Tel. 01484 472452 or write to: Dr Janette Martin, ‘Mixing It’ project, History Department, School of Music, Humanities and Media, Queensgate, University of Huddersfield, HD1 3DH.

Local History Association Events

Jean Fortune, the Hon Sec of the Cheshire Local History Association, has asked me to publicise two events.

The first is a Spring Day School organised by the Lancashire Local History Federation on Medieval Law on 28 February in Wigan. Follow link for more details.

The second is the BALH Local History Day on 6 June in Birmingham. The topic is the History of Common Land. Again follow link for more details.

No Rest for the Wicked Thursday 26th February

Our next talk will be given by Vivienne Derricutt.

This talk covers all aspects of the life, loves and hardships of women in the 17th Century. The Talk starts with birth and all the trials and tribulations which women endured in order to bring new life into the world, through infancy, childhood, adolescence, the marriage market, beauty, fashion and concludes with the expectations placed on a 17th century wife. As part of this talk there will be examples of period dress which can be examined. Vivienne will be  dressed as a gentlewoman of the period. Vivienne is involved with the Chester Civil War Tours and speaks on a variety of local subjects.

Usual time 7:30 at Tiverton Village Hall. All welcome.

John Ellis and the Cheshire Regiment in the Great War 22nd January

Our local military historian, John Ellis, gave us a moving insight into life and death at the front in the First World War. John shared letters from soldiers from the Cheshire Regiment. Although the recent 100 year anniversaries have opened our eyes again to the horrors of that conflict, John's talk, given with a soldier's dry sense of humour, reminded us that those soldiers were real people not just numbers. 

John has kindly donated the Society a copy of his book 'From the Boyne to Basra'. This is a concise history of the Cheshire Regiment since its foundation in 1689 up to modern times. The early history shows the versatility of the Regiment from service in Ireland and Europe to building and protecting the British Empire from Canada to India. A fascinating insight into British history. Please ask us to borrow the book.