Collingham in the Great War Centenary Commemorations
Collingham, Nottinghamshire
By CGW Committee
Between July and December 2018, Collingham Parish Council is coordinating a range of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of the Great War. The events involve several village organisations and will take place in a variety of venues. Events include talks, concerts, poetry readings, open gardens, yarn bombing, author visits, book displays in the library, exhibitions and an Armistice Day Celebration Dinner.
An online microsite detailing the history of Collingham during the Great War is now live on the Collingham Parish Council website. Topics include biographies of the 44 names of the Fallen from North and South Collingham, how Collingham welcomed Belgian Refugees, a potted history of the local militia going back to 1859, a ‘Who’s Who’ in the village 1914-1918, Women’s Roles and the Working Parties. Of special interest is the piece on Bertie Walton (1897-1967). Historian Trevor Frecknall described the case of Bertie Walton as ‘…perhaps the most intriguing in the Newark area during the entire war.’ 19-year old Walton was a conscientious objector and was brought before the Newark Rural Tribunals on several occasions. Mayor John Kew, Chair of the Tribunals, was outraged that Walton could not be forced to engage in some sort of war work and threatened to take his case to the House of Commons.
A special section called ‘My Story’ is also available on the microsite, where residents can relate their war time stories. The first contribution was from David Scott and tells the story of his Jamaican-born grandfather, David Emmanuel Scott (1865-1914) who died in a shipping accident off Scarpa Flow while serving in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. One of David Emmanuel Scott’s daughters was Ethel Scott, thought to be the first international female black athlete to represent Great Britain.
Linking the past with the present is Jerome Wright and Ed Daykin, two Collingham residents who have challenged themselves to visit as many graves and memorials of the 44 Fallen as possible. At each place they are leaving a simple card giving the individual’s name, regiment, rank, date died and occupation. Anyone finding the cards is encouraged to give feedback on the website. Jerome and Ed will be presenting a talk about their mission, ‘To Honour our Heroes’, in October.
The next two talks take place on July 11th. At 2.00pm Gail Newsham will talk about Dick, Kerr Ladies, the trailblazing women’s football team set up to raise money for the War Effort who went on to become so successful the FA banned women from playing football for 50 years!
In the evening (7.30 pm) Keith Quibell will talk about The Sherwood Foresters. Keith is an experienced battlefield tours guide and has a wealth of knowledge about his subject.
Both talks take place in the Memorial Hall and are free. All welcome.
To find out more go to www.collingham-notts.org.uk.