We will remember them...........
This website is part of a family history community project to commemorate in fabric and thread those who served with the Commonwealth forces during the First World War 1914-1918 and did not return home. The project closed on 31st December 2014.
The initial aim was to produce a quilt made up of squares embroidered with the names of those commemorated. The response was so amazing 5 quilts have been produced.
Two organisations have benefitted from the project
HelpforHeroes www.helpforheroes.org.uk and Q4IS (Quilts For Injured Servicemen) www.q4is.co.uk
In August 2015 presentations were made to both by Philippa McCray who initiated the project.
NEWS NEWS NEWS
The five panels making up the First World War Centenary Quilt will be on display as part of a Festival of Quilts commemorating the First World War taking place on 16th & 17th July at Christ Church, Swanland (East Yorkshire) For more information please see http://www.swanland.info/Festival-2016.htm
The quilts were displayed at WhoDoYouThinkYouAre?Live which took place at the NEC, Birmingham 7-9 April 2016. The public response was amazing and I was delighted to meet some of the contributors to the project.
The team from QI4S said:
"Thank you so very much for the amazing donation of £2,150.00
raised by the participants who contributed, not only their cash but such moving memories of their relatives, by embroidering a square to be included in the quilt...........the participation of so many people here and abroad, will enable us to continue to make more regimental quilts for our courageous young Servicemen and women who, having been seriously injured, will suffer both physically and mentally for the rest of their lives".
Brenda Lincoln (right) and Dee Franks (left) representatives from Q4IS pictured with Philippa McCray (photograph courtesy of Andrew Carpenter)
Dean Williams, Central Regional Manager at Help for Heroes said:
“Help for Heroes supports Serving and Reservist Personnel and Veterans who have suffered injuries or illness as a result of their service to the Nation. Also, their close family and dependents. Help for Heroes estimates that up to 75,000 may need its support in the future for psychological or physical support – regardless of whether they were deployed or not.
Projects like the First World War Centenary Quilt make this possible so thank you, on behalf of all ‘the blokes’, for your valued support. It truly makes a difference.”
Philippa McCray pictured with Dean Williams Central Regional Manager for H4H (photograph courtesy of Andrew Carpenter)
Do visit the Facebook Page to read more about those commemorated.
Work is underway to expand this website to include a lasting memorial to all the men and women named on the quilts.
It is the intention to display the quilts at venues around the country. As soon as venues and dates have been agreed, information will be posted here and on the Facebook page.
Any enquires can be sent by post to Philippa McCray, 27Coventry Road, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4RE or by email to ww1centenaryquilt@btinternet.com
A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part.
