Trafford’s Local Studies Centre is marking the centenary of the Battle of the Somme with a series of events commemorating men from the Trafford area involved in the conflict.
With over one million men wounded or killed in the battle, the largest of World War 1, it is remembered as the bloodiest battle in human history.
From tomorrow, Friday July 1st, to Saturday July 9th there will be a public display reflecting on the experiences and sacrifices of the men.
This will be backed with the ‘Trafford Dispatch Special Somme Edition’, an ongoing display which changes every month to reflect local war news. There will also be a 77 minute black and white silent film, The Somme, available courtesy of Imperial War Museum. The film, shot between June 26th and July 9th 1916, will be shown at 2.30pm each day.
From Monday July 4th through to Friday July 8th, visitors to the Local Studies Centre will also have the chance to look at an evocative collection of original First World War archives. With staff and volunteers on hand to provide more details, not only on the objects themselves but also the impact the First World War had on Trafford people, it promises to be an emotional, thought-provoking and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.
Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Transformation and Resources, Cllr Laura Evans, said: “It is hard to imagine the enormous impact World War 1, and in particular The Battle of the Somme, had on a whole generation. I am pleased that here in Trafford we are able to mark the centenary of this bloody battle in such a way and I am sure the exhibition, collection and film will leave a lasting impression on everyone who has the opportunity to see them.”
Anyone wanting more information about the Somme Commemoration 2016 can contact Trafford Local Studies at Sale Waterside, on 0161 912 3013, by email trafflocals@trafford.gov.uk or via Twitter @traffordarchive.
