Bolton residents can help make history by sharing their family mementos from the First World War.
On Saturday, November 24, Bolton History Centre is inviting the public to bring along their stories, photos and objects from the conflict to be digitally scanned and archived.
The centre, located in Bolton Central Library, will be open from 10.30am to 3pm and visitors will also have the chance to learn more about their military ancestors.
The event is part of the nationwide Lest We Forget project, organised by the University of Oxford and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which aims to record as much information as possible about the war during the centenary of its final year.
The centre is also looking for contributions to the Bolton Remembers database, a digital record of every serviceman from the borough who fought in either world war.
On the day, there will be a help desk staffed by the Bolton Family History Society to help visitors find out more about their relatives’ experiences.
There will be a display of First World War artefacts in the museum as well as tours of the strongroom at 11am and 1pm and the Remembrance Hall in the town hall at noon and 2pm. Places can be booked on the tours by calling 01204 332185.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said:
“An important part of remembrance is ensuring future generations do not forget the sacrifices of Bolton’s war heroes.
“Many important reminders of the First World War are not in history books or museums but in people’s homes or in memories of family members.
“Whether you have a story to share or old photos to show, I would urge you to bring them along so they can be preserved.
“Staff and volunteers at the history centre will be on hand to help those interested in researching their family history.”
Bolton Central Library will be hosting four performances of The 11th Hour, a play written by the renowned author of the Horrible Histories series, Terry Deary, which takes place in the Lecture Theatre.
Deary himself will appear at a performance on November 19 at 7pm. This will be followed by shows on November 23 at 7pm and at 2pm and 6pm on November 24. Tickets are £5 and are available at quaytickets.com.
The Mayor of Bolton’s Annual Remembrance Concert will be held at the Albert Halls on Saturday, November 10 at 7.15pm, led by Bolton’s own Lancashire Artillery (Volunteers) Band.
Tickets are available from the Albert Halls website priced at £6.50, with proceeds going to cadet and veteran organisations.