Families of the men came with photos, medals, memorabilia and sometimes just stories about the men. It was heart-warming to know that their stories will live on.
The results of the research were compiled into a book which is kept on the table below the War Memorial for visitors to access. The research is also being shared with the Bowes Museum’s ‘For King and Country’ and Durham Records Offices’ ‘Durham at War’ projects to enable access by a wider audience.
Once the exhibition was over and they had recovered their strength, the volunteers turned their attention to the ‘others’, the ones who had served in the War and survived. This was a much larger project as it involved one hundred and eighty two men and women.
It was decided to apply for funding from the Heritage Lottery fund. In July 2017, the bid was successful and the work on stage two began.