100 Years Since The Somme Remembered In Bradford Libraries

    Libraries across the district are marking 100 years since The Battle of the Somme.

    The battle was fought near the River Somme in France between 1 July and 18 November 1916 and is referred to as one of the bloodiest battles in history, with one million men wounded or killed.

    Bradford Council is marking the centenary of the battle with a series of free events in four of its libraries.

    Shipley Library's first major exhibition since it was refurbished commemorates over 350 men from the Shipley area -including Saltaire, Windhill, Baildon, Thackley, Idle and Eccleshill - who were killed, missing or wounded in the Somme.

    The exhibition will run from 2-15 July. It will include coverage of the First World War from the Shipley Times and Express from 1914-18. The research has been collated by www.shipleyww1.org.uk and Richard Coomber from the organisation will be at the library on 2 July with a database of more than 3,000 men who served in the First World War. Anyone who has photos or stories of family involved in WW1 is being encouraged to bring them along on the day.

    Keighley Local Studies Library will be marking The Somme over the summer with an exhibition focusing on Keighley men who served in the war and the opening of Keighley war hospital. The exhibition has been prepared by www.menofworth.org.uk and local military historians.

    The exhibition opens on Saturday, 2 July with a talk 'Somme 100; Keighley's Men' by Andy Wade from 11am-12noon and a special showing of the film 'The Battle of The Somme', a pioneering documentary released in August 2016.

    Both Bradford Local Studies Library and Bradford City Library are playing host to the Yorkshire Pals Touring Exhibition, which has been provided by York Army Museum and features stories of the Bradford, Leeds and Hull Pals. It will appear at Bradford Local Studies Library (in Margaret Macmillan Tower) from 4-14 July and Bradford City Library from 19-29 July.

    'Threads of War', a display of contemporary textiles inspired by the First World War, and part of a larger open exhibition by www.1914-1918commemorativequilts.com is also coming to Bradford Local Studies Library from 4-29 July.

    Coun Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Culture, said: "The Battle of the Somme remains a significant chapter in British history and one which should not be forgotten. These exhibitions give everyone a chance to learn about its impact on the lives of local people."

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