A LEE-Enfield Mark III rifle forms part of a fascinating display of First World War memorabilia at Winsford Library next month.

The gun was the chief weapon of young British men who served in the trenches during the conflict, and features among artefacts in a special exhibition organised by the Winsford University of Third Age.

“The U3A local history group have been busy researching the stories of those Winsfordians who volunteered or were conscripted to serve in the armed forces,” explained U3A chairman, Margaret Harvey.

“The group has been trying to understand the social make-up of the town at that time and to chart the impact of the war on the local population.

“Every street and nearly every family was affected, firstly by the ongoing anxiety for those who went to war and also by the grief experienced as so many of the men perished on the battlefield.”

At 11am on Saturday, locals are invited to take part in an opening remembrance event featuring poetry and songs of the First World War era.

The exhibition, on display at the library between Saturday, August 2 and Friday, August 8, will showcase what life in the trenches and on the home front was like for those involved.

Local, family and military history will combine with photography, trench art, craft work, songs, poetry and paintings to help deepen visitors’ understanding of the Great War.

Judy Wright, who co-ordinated the research, added: “Doing the project together as a group has taught us all new skills as we have pursued our research, and the mix of approaches and talents within the group has been an enriching experience.”

To find out more about joining the Winsford U3A, email generalwinsfordu3a@hotmail.co.uk

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A UNIQUE Great War commemorative service blending role play and period songs will be staged in Winsford this Sunday.

The town council event, in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre at 2pm on Sunday July 27, will feature poignant performances and acts of remembrance to mark a hundred years since the conflict began with Austria Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia.

Live in-character performances will feature before representatives of the Winsford Branch of the Royal British Legion narrate ‘Winsford Lads go to War’.

Town mayor, clr Gina Lewis, will lay a wreath on the war memorial on behalf of all Winsfordians.