The village of Tarporley is marking this year’s World War 1 Armistice Day centenary, with a significant community project entitled ‘Tarporley Remembers 2018’ which will see a series of special events being held throughout the year.
Three life-size ‘Silent Soldiers’, featuring the Tarporley Remembers 2018 banner have been installed in the village (at Burton Square, the Community Centre and the junction of Nantwich Road and the A49), to remember the soldiers from Tarporley who gave their lives in the Great War.
The next event taking place happens this Sunday (18th March) and will feature 61 symbolollic silhouettes (representing the 61 mean and boys from Tarporley who are listed on the village war memorial) being processed down High Street shortly after 4.30pm, before being seated in pews at at Helen’s Parish Church.
Other significant events taking place include:
- A memory walk: launching in May, residents and visitors to the village can take a stroll ‘off the beaten track’ in the woodland area next to St Helen’s Church, learning some personal stories about Tarporley’s World War 1 experience.
- A summer food and drink festival , Tarp Fest, hosted by The Swan and other Tarporley village establishments, 22th-24th June.
- Living memories – local actors will appear in the village to tell the stories of Tarporley WW1 soldiers and those they left behind.
- Remembrance Day Service – at St Helen’s Parish Church, featuring many village groups and a parade.
The Tarporley Remembers 2018 initiative is raising money for Tarporley War Memorial Hospital, which was founded in memory of the Tarporley soldiers who died in World War 1.
Anyone interested in attending events, volunteering to help, or sharing historical information can contact the team (see details listed below).
The project is supported by Tarporley Parish Council, St Helen’s Parish Church, Tarporley Royal British Legion and Tarporley War Memorial Hospital, together with many other local organisations.
It is being co-ordinated by villagers Emma Hunter and Victoria Williams.
Victoria commented: “Tarporley Remembers is a unique opportunity for our entire community to come together for an incredibly special series of projects.”
She added: “We are also asking people to look into their attics and their photographs albums. If they have any pictures, stories or documents relating to Tarporley in World War 1, we would like to hear from them.”
Georgina Watmore, rector of St Helen’s Parish Church, said: “I am delighted to support Tarporley Remembers and look forward to events throughout the year that will bring our may village communities together as we remember the pain of war and commit to work for peace.”
Ian Diskin, secretary of the Tarporley Royal British Legion, added: “I am looking forward to commemorating the centenary of the conclusion of World War 1 in conjunction with Tarporley Remembers 2018, culminating in a very special Remembrance Day parade and service.”
You can find Tarporley Remembers 2018 on Facebook and Twitter, or alternatively you can email tarporleyremembers2018@gmail.com or call 01829 310 212.
