WW1 events throughout Lancashire

Lancashire County Council's libraries are helping people to discover what life was like during WW1.

Throughout this month a series of fascinating countywide events will explore the lives of local WW1 soldiers and show people how to start researching their own WW1 ancestors online.

The events feature sessions called Tracing Your WW1 Ancestor Online, where staff from the county council's community heritage team will give people hands-on tuition on how to start researching their family history using the internet.

There will also be a talk, 'Your WW1 ancestor: where to begin', which will give practical advice and top tips on records held on Ancestry and Find My Past, as well as other useful sources of information.

The programme of events also includes an illustrated talk, This Soldier's Life, which will offer an insight into the life of a local soldier who fought in WW1.

As well as finding out about key events in the soldier's life, the talk will guide people through the resources available to help them to trace their own ancestors.

Fiona McIntyre, Lancashire County Council's community heritage manager, said: "These family-friendly events will appeal to people of all ages with an interest in local history as well as those who want to know more about what life was like during WW1.

"The programme is part of five years' worth of special events which the county council is holding to commemorate WW1.

"All of the events will, in different ways, help us to understand more about the life and times of those who fought and died in the conflict and the communities they left behind."

The events are free, but people will need to book their places in advance. Basic computer skills are essential for the online sessions but are not needed for the illustrated talks.

The libraries taking part are:

*Haslingden (Tracing a WW1 Ancestor Online), 2.30pm to 4.30pm, 16 February

*Chatburn (Your WW1 Ancestor: where to begin?), 7pm, 19 February

*Briercliffe (Tracing a WW1 Ancestor Online), 10am until noon, 25 February

*Coal Clough (This Soldier's Life), 2pm, 27 February

Tickets can be booked at the libraries or by calling 0300 123 6703.

To find out more about libraries, museums and galleries in Lancashire go to www.lancashire.gov.uk.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Greg Bowen on 01772 536757
[email protected]