Blackheath’s Lottery Funded Great War Project Hosts Free Exhibition With Lots Of Pictures And Memorabilia

Published on: 28 Oct, 2014
Updated on: 28 Oct, 2014

Thanks to a £3,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, villagers from Blackheath have been busy preserving the memories and heritage of their forebears who lived there at the time of the First World War.

They will be proudly displaying their endeavours at a three-day exhibition in Blackheath Village Hall from Friday to Sunday, November 7 to 9. Free entry and refreshments available. It promises to be a unique and fascinating exhibition with a large number of images and original memorabilia. For more details go to www.Blackheathvillagearchive.com

While serving with the British Expeditionary Force L Cpl Albert Ayears wrote home cards with loving messages to his wife Rose.

Blackheath 1914-1918, The Story of a Surrey Village during the Great War, focuses on the story of not only the 70-plus men from Blackheath who went off to war, but life on the home front in Blackheath and the Guildford area and the changing times of the period.

Frank Frederick Hayward, one of two brothers killed

Marking the Centenary of the First World War, the project’s volunteers have been collecting photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters and photos of keepsakes, as well as family tales passed down to help them build a clear picture of what life was really like.

Rose Ayears, wife of Albert, pictured above.

Several illustrated talks have already been held and a future programme of events will include a workshop in preserving family history. The group will also be visiting locals schools with older residents of the village taking part in talking to pupils and showing artefacts and memorabilia.

Harold Hodgson was from a wealthy family that owned Hodgsons’ Kingston Brewery. He and a brother died while on active service.

The information gathered is also being digitally recorded, and an on-line interactive archive will be created where everyone can access and contribute information. The archive will allow the public to discuss, contribute, share and research information about the home front 100 years ago.

Sidney Hayward was in the Machine Gun Corps. He kept a village record book of men serving so the people of Blackheath could sent them food and gift parcels.

The project will also link up with the Surrey Heritage Project – A County Remembers: Surrey in the Great War. It is also hoped that a section of the exhibition will be on display at Godalming Museum.

Jayne Barlow, a key member of the project, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and this has enabled us to expand the project and ensure we have a lasting record of such a momentous time in our area.”

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