First and Second World War memories to be digitally archived

To help with the project, they are looking for people who were living in Cheltenham, or in service during the Second World War.  They are also keen to have stories of life in Cheltenham, or of family members involved in the First World War.  Anyone wishing to share their experiences and stories will have the opportunity to have them digitally archived.

Many people have been sharing their stories on the website http://www.ww1cheltenham.org/ since it was launched by Cheltenham Borough Council last summer.

Hannah Wright, community engagement assistant said, “People have been coming into the Municipal Offices with some fascinating stories of relatives involved in World War One, and bringing old photographs, medals and artefacts to show us. As the 70th anniversary of VE Day is near, it seemed appropriate that we also extend to people involved in the Second World War. Both wars are currently fairly prominent in our minds and in the media, and this is an opportune time to capture some of these stories and what they mean to the people telling them.”

The sessions are by appointment only, and participants can be individuals or families. The format will be an informal conversation with an interviewer from the Cheltenham Remembers project, recorded either on video or audio and used in the project and its exhibitions.

Sessions will take place at the Park Campus in Cheltenham, between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th May. For more information, email [email protected] or telephone 01242 775156.

For press enquiries contact: Katie Sandey, communications team leader, 01242 775050, [email protected]

Cheltenham Remembers

The Cheltenham Remembers project is supported, with thanks, by a number of local partners.

The restoration of the war memorial on the Promenade marks the centenary of the First World War and the first stage – completed September 2014 - involved the repaving of the memorial in York stone, cleaning, repairs of the balustrades, improvements to drainage systems and new LED lighting.

The council is currently planning a phase two restoration project, to be carried out over a longer period, which involves the restoring all the names on the memorial and refurbishing the lanterns.

Share your stories and find out more:

Visit us our website, telephone 01242 775156 or write to: Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.

Find us on:

Facebook  www.facebook.com/ww1cheltenham     
Twitter @ww1cheltenham