THE MORAY WAR initiative that seeks to develop a comprehensive record of the region and its people during World War 1 takes centre stage in Forres next month.
Forres library and community centre is to host ‘Moray’s Ware Open Day’, when local historians will be on hand to deal with questions from the public who can also study photographs and memorabilia.
The experts are also looking to hear from people who have their own stories about family members during the first war – stories of people who remained at home in Moray, those who were working elsewhere or who were serving in the armed forces during the conflict.
Displays, posters, artefacts, newspapers and photographs from 1914-1918 on loan from museums and the Moray Local Heritage Centre will be on show as will films taken during the war.
Ahead of the open day on June 6 from 10am until 2pm people are also being asked to search their own homes for memorabilia from the period – previous events has seen medals, weapons and mustard gas jars being produced – as well as diaries and autograph books that all add to the overall picture of Moray and its people during the conflict.
The Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Lt Col Grenville Johnston, said it was an important opportunity to further develop information on the Moray’s War website: “We have enjoyed excellent open days at Elgin and Buckie with a great deal of fascinating information and material being brought in and with so many of the visitors discovering so much more about Moray and its people during World War I. There are many individual stories yet to be told.
“I would encourage everyone to give their support by attending the event and by looking out material relevant to that time. I would also encourage people to offer their expertise and skills as volunteers on the Moray’s War project.”
Moray’s War website is already of vital importance in telling that story and in promoting those events across Moray that form the wider World War I commemoration programme.