A two year project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund: WW1 Then and Now which undertook to ensure:
The heritage of the three villages - Neatishead, Irstead and Barton Turf - before, during and just after World War One is preserved.
That those men from the three villages who served would be remembered on a memorial plaque.
The community would have gained an insight into life in the villages 100 years ago.
This was achieved after many hours of meticulous research and displayed through exhibitions, hands-on experiences, community events and an original WW1 drama set in the villages.
The exhibitions told the stories of those who served and about life in the community 100 years ago. A memorial in the New Victory Hall to the 32 men who lost their lives and 104 who were fortunate enough to return home was dedicated in November 2015.
A joint venture with the villages’ drama group - an original WW1 drama “When I come home” written especially for the project by Ray Gedling told the story of two sweethearts through an exchange of letters during their time apart.
The project group also organised a Living History Day at the local primary school, has provided the villages with a community chest with artefacts, toys, and documents relating to life 100 years ago.
For the month of August, the group has a small exhibition commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme on display at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum Neatishead, Norfolk NR12 8YB. Read a summary of the battle with explanatory maps together with information about the Norfolk Regiments’ involvement in the Battle and about the lives of the 12 men from the villages who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Find out more on the project website.
Claire Penstone-Smith
Chair, Neatishead Irstead & Barton Turf Community Heritage Group
nibchg.org.uk
August 2016
