remembrance

Great War MK Finale – ‘thought provoking’ and ‘moving’

On 6th November, the Great War MK project partners came together to deliver ‘Great War MK Remembered’ our finale event at The Venue MK.  Produced by Full House, this event was designed to be a showcase of the different elements of the project and a fitting commemoration for the WW1 centenary.

With dance, performance, film and live music, ‘Great War MK Remembered’ was a varied and moving event.

GWMK Rem all last post

“I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed last night. It was very professionally put together, very entertaining, and made us really think about the affect the war had on our local area.”

“The dancing was thought provoking and a unlike anything I have seen previously, ballet, national and folk. It was a cross between street and gymnastics but at the same time graceful and eloquent and really encouraged your imagination…”

GWMK poppies throw

“A remarkable feat and at times poignant tribute to those that served in the Great War…The Last Post said it all with hardly a dry eye in the house.”

“The closing scene was moving and beautiful, with an excellent rendition of the Last Post.”

“A thoughtful & fitting finale to a wonderful project.”

GWMK Rem Arwell Last post

“The readings and poems were well chosen and emotionally moving. The excerpt from Nellie was both poignant and amusing – just the right balance.”

“All the animations were good but the one that will really stick in my memory was Lego in the trenches by the Great Linford Scouts. I think this could, and should be entered in both national and even international competitions.”

 

The Arts and Heritage Alliance would like to thank everyone who was involved in the project, and everyone who joined us for the finale on 6th November.

The Great War Remembered – an evening of live music and film

MK Gallery Events Space / Friday 29 May / 7pm / Free but pre-booking required

Living Archive has been working with young local songwriters, musicians and film-makers to inspire new works that retell the local story of WW1. This six month project will culminate in an evening of live performances and screenings presented in MK Gallery’s Events Space. The project is part of The Great War MK and funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund.Works on War Mitch and Manny

Book your free ticket online via MK Gallery’s website HERE

For more details contact Helen Innes at Living Archive: heleninnes@livingarchive.org.uk

Simpson commemorates Private Frederick Nicholls

Peter Barnes writes…

100 years ago, on 13 March 1915, Private Frederick Nicholls of the 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment (Service number 10250) died at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, ten miles to the south-west of Lille. He was 21 years old, one of the nine children of Frederick and Mary Nicholls, who lived at 182 Simpson Road.

Frederick Nicholls was commemorated this morning at the war memorial at Simpson which bears his name. A brief Biography (FN) was placed on the memorial for those who pass by to read.  It also appears on the ‘Lest we forget’ page on the Simpson & Ashland Parish website.
Simpson Commemoration - F NIchollsLena Bates, from the Simpson Britain in Bloom group, placed a beautiful posy of flowers on the memorial, following the practice instituted in November 2014.
Simpson Commemorates F Nicholls 2I am very grateful to the members of the group who prepare these posies and also liaise with Milton Keynes Council over the planting and maintenance of the memorial. Their work on behalf of the community in honouring those who served and died in both World Wars and, more widely, ensuring that Simpson is an attractive and cared-for environment is widely appreciated. It will feature in the Heritage section of Simpson’s submission to the Britain in Bloom awards this summer.

Beautiful Commemorative Banners

Westbury Arts Centre’s Banner Project aims to produce over 500 commemorative banners to be included in a large-scale dance piece entitled ‘For the Fallen’ taking place in Campbell Park.  Textile artist Vinny Stapley has been working with groups to create these banners – the dance project is being choreographed by Helen Parlor, Effie McGuire-Ward and Chris Bradley.

Here are some examples of the beautiful banners being produced…

If you are interested in getting involved in this project you can either attend a public banner workshop, or if you are part of a group, speak to Westbury Arts Centre directly about running a workshop: caroline@westburyartscentre.co.uk / 01908 501214

If you are part of a dance group, Westbury Arts Centre are also looking for more dancers to be part of the final dance piece – more info can be found on the Dance Great War Flyer.

We are also looking for people to create and donate poppies to be included on banners – more info here.

Be part of #GreatWarMK with a Banner Making Workshop at Westbury Arts Centre

Vinny StapleyWestbury Arts Centre are holding banner making workshops for those passionate about all things textile!!

The workshop is suitable for all levels of ability, from beginners interested in learning textile skills, to those with advanced textiles skills.

The workshop will be run by Vinny Stapley, a textile artist and teacher, who plans to work with a wide range of groups within the Milton Keynes community to create hundreds of Banners to commemorate those people who served in The Great War.

The Banners made will form part of a procession of Remembrance and a Dance Performance in Campbell Park in July 2015.

Vinny will come in with some materials, but it would also contribute to the project as a whole, if participants were able to bring in old WW1 photos or other mementos of family members to discuss and maybe integrate copies of these into their own banners.

It would be great if you could contribute some fabrics or old clothes in red, grey, white, black and cream colours  to upcycle in the banners, but not essential.

The workshop is also suitable for those trying to build a portfolio demonstrating a range of techniques for entry to art college, or those that want to learn to stitch for pleasure.

The workshops are planned for: Saturday the18th of October and Saturday 8th of November.

For Further information and to book a place please contact:

Caroline Malone at Westbury Arts Centre via getinvolved@westburyartscentre.co.uk or 01908 501214, for more information about the arts centre please see: http://www.westburyartscentre.co.uk/