Community reflections and hopes to commemorate WW1
4 August marks one hundred years since Britain declared war on Germany and to mark the centenary, Wyre Council wants people to declare their reflections on war and hopes for the future in a special project.
100 Years: 100 Hopes is part of the restoration of Fleetwood's Memorial Park and aims to honour the contribution and sacrifices of all those involved in the war, celebrate all that is good and compassionate about the present and share future hopes.
The council is working with schools and community groups to create declarations of remembrance and peace in a variety of ways including poetry, song and prayer, and aims to collect at least 100 before the anniversary.
Residents across Wyre are also encouraged to share their thoughts online at wyre.gov.uk/100hopes
Children from Cardinal Allen Catholic High School and Birla High School in Kolkata, India were among the first to declare their reflections and hopes, during a recent visit to Memorial Park. Watch what they had to say and make your own declaration at wyre.gov.uk/100hopes
On 4 August, a special event will be held at Memorial Park for local families and residents between noon and 4pm. There will be opportunities for live declarations from anyone who wishes to reflect on the past or express hope and peace for the future, and to create a piece of art with a written message. The afternoon will also be fun packed with theatre and music shows, to celebrate the present and enjoy the park as an important community space. All are welcome to attend.
The council is also supporting the UK-wide Lights Out campaign to mark the moment war was declared. At that time British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey famously remarked: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time."
Everyone across the UK is invited to turn off their lights from 10pm to 11pm on 4 August, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection. Tealights will be given to local residents at the Memorial Park Fun Day on Saturday 26 July and 100 Years: 100 Hopes on Monday 4 August, for their own personal reflections that evening.
Wyre Council has been awarded £2.4m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund to carry out a comprehensive restoration of the Grade II listed park and create a five year programme of community activities.
Memorial Park is unique in that the entire grounds were created in commemoration of the First World War, unlike most conventional architectural memorials, and it is one of only a few listed war memorial parks and gardens in the country.
Find out more at wyre.gov.uk/100hopes
ENDS
Stephanie Collinson Communications Officer Tel 01253 887551