>July Events / Art & Theatre / charities / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / exhibitions / Music / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk July 2, 2014
Wymondham’s Great War Commemoration Day, an ambitious, multi-art form event is open to the public on Saturday, July 5th in Wymondham and Sunday, July 13th in The Forum, Norwich.
The Heritage Lottery Funded project has involved 12 local schools in a range of after school projects to explore the impact of World War 1 on Wymondham and its hinterland and to create art in response. The students have worked with professional artists and writers to bring an exciting and eclectic programme to life.
The Commemoration Day begins at 2 pm in the beautifully conserved Regal Cinema in Wymondham’s Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Friarscroft Lane, Wymondham. Robert Kett Junior School children with film-maker Sally-Anne Lomas will introduce their 26 minute documentary. There is animation from Ashleigh and Browick Road Infant Schools, an evocative and moving dance piece by Spooner Row pupils, original music composed to Pathe Film Footage from 1914 by Barnham Broom, Wreningham and Wicklewood primary schools and a play based on scripts written by pupils at Wymondham College and Wymondham High School Academy Trust and performed by Wymondham High pupils. Morley and Tacolneston Schools have produced a moving and large scale sculpture inspired by local war memorials and Barford School is transforming the Regal Cinema to reflect the times with propaganda posters, period games and bunting.
Novelist Sarah Ridgard and the Chairman of Wymondham Heritage Museum, Pip Woodward will present awards to the prize winners of a creative writing competition held across all cluster schools.
The day will close with a simple act of commemoration to remember those who died in the conflict.
The whole project will move to The Forum in Norwich for a week from Sunday, 13th July.
‘It has been quite an experience for everyone involved in the project,’ said Bel Greenwood, Artistic Director. ‘This day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our local partners, Wymondham Heritage Museum, the Town Archive, Wymondham Library and the hugely generous Ex-Servicemen’s Club and all the schools, teachers and parents who have given up their time to help. People have really got behind this project and supported us. It has at times been very moving. Local people have shared family stories with the pupils and the children’s own responses to the material and the idea of war has often been unexpected and profound, even if it has been sometimes hard to imagine life without the freedoms and technology of today. There is so much to experience on the day. It is free to come in, there is a great programme and activities, like Blow Football, Splat the Rat and enlist with Barford School. There will be catering provided by Station Bistro, teas and coffees from the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and some of the prizes have been sponsored by Kett Books. It is a real local effort.’
‘Special thanks are due to all the artists who have all put in so much energy and creativity, and Anna Brett, ESC, project coordinator and Sally-Anne Lomas, producer.
Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund for the East of England, said ‘This project is a good example of how the Heritage Lottery Fund supports projects that benefit heritage, people and communities. It’s particularly poignant to hear about the enthusiastic response from the schools and young people who have been involved in this important project.’
Notes:
Wymondham’s Great War Project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project involves all 12 of the Wymondham Cluster schools, to mark the centenary of World War One. Each school is producing a part of the Commemoration Day which will take place at the Regal Cinema in Wymondham on Saturday July 5th and afterwards at The Forum in Norwich on July 13th, 2014.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 36,000 projects with more than £5.9bn across the UK, including over £403million to 3,499 projects in the East of England. www.hlf.org.uk.
For further information contact:
Bel Greenwood01603 621 912 or 0780 5515159
www.wymondhamsgreatwar.blogspot.co.uk
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