Completed – almost
T
his time last year Duncan Wang shared an idea to commemorate the
start of the first world war. This was to place an individual cross on
each of the graves of the 87 men named on the war memorial but that
was only one part for another aim was to leave a legacy for the village’s
future generations. The idea was adopted and Arlesey Remembers You
was born, A small team started to plan the detail of how this was to be
achieved. Very early on Jodie Chillery joined the team with the seemingly
simple idea of “I will film the project”. Arlesey Town Council donated £2,000
towards the project. The key elements were now in place to launch the
project which was done by involving Gothic Mede children in the making
of the crosses and at the Civic Service in April the first 11 crosses were
placed. Both these were a huge success and from then on a steady stream
of volunteers set off to Israel, France, Belgium, Turkey and Shefford
to name but a few places. The final 9 crosses were placed during the
Remembrance Sunday service at the war memorial.
On Thursday 20th November the project attended the national launch
of the Remember WW1 (rememberww1.org) where a short video of
the project was shown. Jodie gave a speech outlining the aims and
achievements of the project. This was well received and impressed those
present because of its achievements and the positive affect upon village. >
Apart from the placing of the crosses what has the project achieved?
Well it has:
b
uilt a web site www.arleseyremembersyou.org giving histories and
pictures of the men
u
ndertaken a great deal of research into the men, the village and the
memorial all of which will appear on our web site
m
ade a TV documentary (funded by a Crowdfunder initiative
subscribed to by many residents but also others from many places
throughout the UK and even further afield)
g
ained national recognition (Daily Telegraph and rememberww1.org )
l
ocated the unmarked grave in St Peter’s ( John Bowskill’s )
e
ducated people of all ages about these 87 men, remembered
them if you will. Children in particular have gained a lot from their
involvement
r
eunited friends and relatives
p
rovided the incentive for a private sound editing suite to be built and
then used by the project
i
nspired a local artist David Borrington to produce 87 drawings each
dedicated to one man from the 87. Proceeds for the sale of this
artwork going to several appropriate charities.
g
iven local people some valuable work experience in the media and
web site development and content management industries
c
reated a legacy of knowledge and memories which will endure for
years to come
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
Placing a cross in France
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December 2014
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