News and Events
Changing the way we remember?
On 05, Aug 2014 | In Events | By Nicola Gauld
Amid the many events to commemorate the First World War, one of the most visually striking is surely the poppy installation at the Tower of London. The mass of red ceramic poppies, individually hand-crafted and planted by volunteers in the moat is part of an extensive learning and engagement programme being run Historic Royal Palaces that gets us to think more broadly about why it is we are remembering, and how.
The Diary of Dorothy Priest, August 5
On 05, Aug 2014 | In Priest Diary | By Nicola Gauld
The Diary of Dorothy Priest
August 5th
War is declared and by us. It’s no good my trying to keep an account of the great events; there are too many and I haven’t much time to write. This morning I saw the Cotteridge company of Territorials march to the field by Dr Jordan’s and drill and then go back. They went by the 2.16 [this must be a train] from Kings Norton (1.55 from town). We saw them from our windows. Everybody’s horses and wagons are being taken for the war. Some are at Portsmouth, Avonmouth etc; they were only taken early this morning. People seem very serious, no one seems to have “war fever”. Calling out the Reserves has made a great difference to the Country; postman, police, fireman and lots of others have left their work. At K.N. [King’s Norton] seven out of thirteen postmen have gone, those who are left have a hard time. The postman didn’t get here until about 8.30 this morning and he looked dead beat. I must get up very early in the morning to see Daddy off as he is going off early, and to get news. Pat [Dorothy’s sister, a VAD nurse] and I were awake last night until after 12 o’clock and we heard distant shouts about 11.45, evidently when the Declaration of War was made public. We also heard bugles about the same time and Pat heard people shouting along the road.
All Rights Reserved. Priest Diary and images cannot be reproduced without permission of the owner.
The Diary of Dorothy Priest, August 4
On 04, Aug 2014 | In Priest Diary | By Nicola Gauld
The Diary of Dorothy Priest
August 4th
Germany has declared war on Belgium. England has sent an ultimatum to Germany to respect Belgian neutrality which expires at mid-night tonight. Mr XXXXXX says they will fight for some time. Things will only be settled now by war. I quite expect to see in the morning “Mail”, “War declared between Great Britain and Germany”. We must be very careful with food for fear of the country running short. The children are disgusted with me for talking so much about being careful but Daddy says we must. The Territorials were all about Cotteridge this afternoon.
All Rights Reserved. Priest Diary and images cannot be reproduced without permission of the owner.
The Diary of Dorothy Priest August 3
On 03, Aug 2014 | In Priest Diary | By Nicola Gauld
The Diary of Dorothy Priest
August 3rd, Bank Holiday
Daddy went to town tonight to get the latest news. Things are happening at such a rate that I can’t keep up with and understand it all. Last night came news that Germany had invaded France, this was confirmed today. Sir Edward Grey made a fine speech and explained the situation. Mr Redmond said that the Nationalist and Ulster volunteers would defend Ireland. Keir Hardy and other Socialists and Labour men spoke against war and were not heard with approval. At present our situation seems to be: We have received no ultimatum and made no promise to fight but we shall if Belgian neutrality is threatened or if France is attacked by sea on the North coast. Navy Reserves have been mobilised and the Army is being mobilised. Bills are passed in parliament without any discussion in no time. Bank Holiday is to extend for two more days and Bank rate raised to 10 per cent. I can’t write any more details tonight as it must be nearly 12 O’clock p.m. We waited till ever so late for Daddy to come home, he waited to get a 10 O’clock Mail.
All Rights Reserved. Priest Diary and images cannot be reproduced without permission of the owner.
The Diary of Dorothy Priest
On 02, Aug 2014 | In Priest Diary | By Nicola Gauld
For the next year we will be publishing the diary entries of Dorothy Priest. Dorothy was a young woman living with her family in Kings Norton at the outbreak of war. Aged 19, she had been a pupil at King Edward’s High School for Girls and would later study Metallurgy at the University of Birmingham. Dorothy’s diary provides a fascinating insight into what life was like in Birmingham during that first year of global conflict.
Read more…
Civic events to commemorate the First World War
On 22, Jul 2014 | In Events | By Nicola Gauld
Saturday 2nd August – Monday 4th August 2014
Birmingham City Council is committed to commemorating the First World War with a 5 year programme of events and activities. This year the city will commemorate the Centenary of the Outbreak of the First World War with a weekend of events.
Performance: Minimum Monument
On 21, Jul 2014 | In Performance | By Nicola Gauld
Minimum Monument by Néle Azevedo
Birmingham Hippodrome is delighted to present Minimum Monument, a major exhibition by the award winning Brazilian artist Néle Azevedo.
Minimum Monument is a poignant and moving display featuring 5,000 figures made out of ice. Members of the public will be invited to place the beautifully crafted sculptures on the steps of the city’s Chamberlain Square where they can watch as the sea of ice figures melt.
Gallantry and Loyalty
On 04, Jul 2014 | In Events | By Nicola Gauld
The WAWI Project and Perry Barr Housing Liaison Board invite you to join us in marking the Centenary of World War One. On Thursday 10th July from 1pm – 3pm we host a community Commemoration at the Kingsdown Avenue Recreational Area in Great Barr.
Somme Sunday
On 04, Jul 2014 | In Events | By Nicola Gauld
Somme Sunday, to be held on the 6th of July at Aston Parish Church, is the only Somme Sunday event held in England.
Somme Sunday is marked on the first Sunday of July each year. This is a special Sunday in Aston because many, many men from Aston were killed on July 1st 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which recruited a lot of local men, was one of the first into action that day and suffered very heavy losses.
Birmingham City Council Commemorations
On 03, Jul 2014 | In Events | By Nicola Gauld
As part of Birmingham City Council’s contribution to the First World War commemorations, Bereavement Services are planning a number of projects across various cemeteries and crematoria which are designed to appropriately mark the war years and honour the sacrifices and contributions made by Brummies during the Great War.
Worcestershire World War 100 Needs You!
On 23, Jun 2014 | In Events | By Nicola Gauld
On Thursday 26 June from 11am – 3pm you are invited to come along to Worcestershire’s WW1 replica Bell Tent at The Commandery to share, donate or loan, stories, artefacts and memorabilia showing how World War One touched the life of you and your ancestors.
Letter to an Unknown Soldier
On 20, Jun 2014 | In WW1 Projects | By Nicola Gauld
LETTER TO AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Summer 2014
If you were to able to speak to the unknown soldier now, a man who served and was killed during World War One…
With all we’ve learned since 1914, with all your own experience of life and death to hand, what would you say?
Foreign Fields
On 13, Jun 2014 | In Performance | By Nicola Gauld
The Play House theatre in education company are creating a brand new piece to mark the centenary of World War One. It will use the experiences of real people in Birmingham to explore how the war in Europe affected the lives of people at home.
What the Bishop said (or, the truth about the Bishop of London…)
On 30, May 2014 | In Uncategorized | By Voices
Report from Michael Snape:
The looming centenary was bound to prove an opportunity to dredge up some tired and discredited cliches about the First World War. How tedious, therefore, to hear Jeremy Paxman indulge in some traditional bishop-bashing on a recent edition of ‘The Big Questions’ (BBC1, Sunday 18 May 2014).
Commemorating the Centenary of the Great War
On 01, Apr 2014 | In WW1 Projects | By Nicola Gauld
During our launch event for Voices of War and Peace we showed a film called ‘Commemorating the Centenary of the Great War’, the result of an AHRC-funded collaborative network one of the Centre Co-Investigators, Dr Joanne Sayner, was recently involved with.
14-18 NOW launched
On 27, Mar 2014 | In Events | By Nicola Gauld
Today saw the launch of 14-18 Now WW1 Centenary Art Commissions, a major cultural programme taking place across the United Kingdom to mark the centenary of the First World War.
Working with cultural organisations across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, 14-18 NOW commissions large-scale special projects. These are selected to encourage people from every community to reflect on how the First World War has shaped today’s world and our attitudes to conflict now.
Shot at Dawn project appeal
On 25, Mar 2014 | In WW1 Projects | By Nicola Gauld
A particularly emotional part of the First World War, and one that can still cause fierce debate, is the execution of soldiers for offences such as “cowardice” and desertion. Lest We Forget – Shot at Dawn is a project run by the Central Youth Theatre of Wolverhampton that explores the stories of some of these soldiers.
Launch Preparations Are Underway!
On 11, Mar 2014 | In Project Updates | By Voices
Preparations are underway for the launch of Voices of War and Peace, the University of Birmingham’s new First World War Engagement Centre, an Arts & Humanities Research Council initiative in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The launch will take place on March 21st from 12-2.30pm in the Library of Birmingham’s Studio Theatre.
Birdsong at The REP: 17-22 March
On 10, Mar 2014 | In Events, Performance | By Voices
Following on from last year’s National tour, seen by over 75,000 people, now it is your chance to experience this stunning piece of theatre live on stage at The REP. Marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, Birdsong is the hit, critically acclaimed stage show based on the world famous novel by Sebastian Faulks.
First World War Exhibitions and Events at Birmingham Museums
On 12, Feb 2014 | In Events, Exhibitions | By Voices
Birmingham Museums presents a series of enlightening and educational exhibitions and events to commemorate the First World War. Discover the integral role the people of Birmingham played in the war efforts and the immense breadth of involvement from diverse community groups in the city.
