A CELEBRATION day shedding light on Droitwich’s home front activities during the First World War will be held at the town’s library tomorrow (Saturday).
The event is part of The Great Blackberry Pick – a project co-ordinated by the county council’s library service – to look at the role the town played between 1914 and 1918.
Now the research, undertaken by local historians and Droitwich children from Hindlip, Ombersley, Tibberton and Wychbold First Schools, has been completed, those involved are ready to share their findings.
The pupils looked at the experiences of Droitwich children during the conflict and at how those living locally supported the war effort.
The Great Blackberry Pick project has been supported by the Heritage Lottery and involved children picking blackberries and other local fruit and vegetables – because many youngsters were tasked with fruit and veg picking to combat food shortages and rationing.
Other roles handed to children included growing vegetables, sewing and collecting conkers that were used in a component of shells and bullets.
Some of the research uncovered in both official records and personal memorabilia led participants to finding more about Droitwich during the war and saw more people getting involved to look a bit more deeply in to role local people and the community played during this time.
There will also blackberry syrup made to a First World War recipe to try from 10.30am, a family quiz with Worcestershire World War 100 prizes to be won and a Chatterbooks Reading Group session at 2pm for seven to 12-year-olds.
Those interested in going along should pop into Droitwich Library, e-mail [email protected] or call 01905 822722.
