The Abbey United Reformed Church have been researching the town throughout the four years of the Great War and have so far concentrated their research on the men of Romsey who went to fight. This year sees them look at the impact of the war on the Town’s community.
Whilst the Town saw many of their own men leave and head for foreign fields, they also saw an influx of soldiers stationed in training camps surrounding the Town. Many were in the Remount camp situated at Pauncefoot Hill and but there were further more camps of men from all over England as well as America, Australia and Canada join in the community. Photos have been discovered of the men marching through the town, interacting with those that have been left behind. Research from Church magazines show us that these men were welcomed in to all areas of the community and some even went as far as filling in roles where gaps had begun to emerge. The magazine also shows how, despite everything that was happening some normality was able to continue with troops filling in so that big community events to continue.
The Abbey URC will be recreating some of these events over the next few months and are opening them up for the community to join with them. The first of these events will be a Variety show in the Abbey URC Church Hall. The Hall was acquisitioned by the troops and turned in to a Soldiers Reading and Recreational Room for the four years of the war. Examples have been found of the soldiers joining with the church and community to put in an evening of entertainment. We will be recreating this event on the 10th February with tickets going on sale shortly. The church is asking for volunteers to help with the decorating, food and event organisation as well as asking all those in attendance to share their hidden talent with us on the night.
For more details get in touch with Sarah Stewart directly on 07901902367 or via email on sarah.stewart.b.a@gmail.com
Sarah Stewart B.A.
Military and Family Researcher
Your History Revealed.
07901902367
http://sarahstewartba.tumblr.com/
www.yourhistoryrevealed.co.uk
Business Reg No: 2298307
Romsey and the Congregational Church in WW1 - A Heritage Lottery research project to gather and preserve the memories of the People of Romsey from 1914 - 1918
