Libraries across South Lakeland will mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice with a Remembrance Trail around Kendal.
The names of 316 men from Kendal are recorded on the Kendal War Memorial on Stricklandgate. The soldiers of Kendal came from all walks of life and from all over the local area. Local researcher, David Shackleton, has identified the addresses of all those recorded on the War Memorial and plotted them on a map.
Kendal Library, with the support of Kendal Town Council and the Royal British Legion, has created a walking trail to commemorate their sacrifice along with those from Oxenholme. The trail will take you on a tour of where they lived before going off to war, with information posters located at each street recording the names of the Kendal and Oxenholme soldiers who once lived there. The trail guide, which includes a map of the route, can be purchased from Kendal Library with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion. The map is also available to download from the libraries section of the county council website – www.cumbria.gov.uk/libraries.
Councillor Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Local Communities, said: “What a fantastic tribute to the heroes of Kendal and Oxenholme, who gave their lives so that we could live ours freely and in peace. I am delighted that the council is supporting a number of events and activities across the county to mark the Armistice Day centenary. I think it’s so important that younger generations learn about and understand the sacrifice that was made by our ancestors. I’m really looking forward to attending a number of the community events planned all over Cumbria.”
Other events taking place include a discussion by David Bowcock (former Assistant County Archivist) on the Border Regiment on Friday 9 November at Kendal Library, and local author, Isobel Stirk will be speaking about the poets of the First World War on Monday 12 November at Kirkby Lonsdale Library. Kendal Library will also be hosting a short film from the Cumbria Film Archive about life in Cumbria during the First and Second World Wars throughout November.
Exhibitions will also be displayed in libraries throughout South Lakeland, and Ulverston Library will be hosting a genealogy coffee morning on Wednesday 7 November from 10am, with the opportunity to research your First World War ancestors.
For information, contact your local library.
