Friday 26th January 2007
(ref:
WLCT15/2007)
Media Opportunity: Photographers and journalists are invited to the launch of ‘Young People and War’ at 12.30pm on Friday 2nd February at the History Shop, Library St, Wigan. Contact Chris Dunbar: 01942 486937.
The fiery guns of The Great War are still resonating loud and clear for a group of residents living at Coops Foyer, Wigan.
A group of residents from Coops Foyer have spent the last few months journeying back in time as part of the Heritage Lottery funded project; ‘ Young People and War - Coop's Story’ . The results of their adventure into the past will now be proudly displayed at Wigan’s History Shop from Monday 5th February to Friday 23rd March.
After returning from a cultural visit to the Somme in France, the residents researched the lives of seven men who once worked at Coop & Co Ltd, Wigan before going ‘over the top’ in the infamous ‘Battle of the Somme’. The residents have accessed local archives, contacted battalion museums, searched the internet and have been successful in positively identifying five of the seven men who embarked on that journey into the unknown.
Diane Wainwright, from Arena Housing, who co-ordinated the project, said,
“Learning about the lives of these men, who once worked where they now live, has been a steep learning curve for many residents. It has been an emotional journey personifying the names and picturing the young men in horrific conditions who died bravely for their country. The project has allowed residents to learn about The Great War and has also helped them to develop personal skills such as communication, IT, research and group work.”
Yvonne Webb, Collections Development Manager for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, said,
“The Great War is a period in history that still affects many people across the world, including here in Wigan. The residents involved in this project have clearly put a great deal of effort into their research and we are delighted to give them a platform to showcase their work at the History Shop. It is this type of project, involving the local community that we are determined to support as best we can.”
During the project, residents also researched Mr. Coop and the history of the famous Coop’s building where they now live. They also interviewed people who used to work at Coop and Co Ltd clothing factory, and researched what local life was like during different eras.
The public are invited to an open day to celebrate the project and the 10th anniversary of Coops Foyer at 1pm on Friday 2 nd February at Coops Foyer, Chequer Street , Wigan. For more information about the project, please contact Diane Wainwright on dwainwright@arena-housing.com or call 01744 670221 on extension 1289.
‘The Somme Remembered’ will be on display at the History Shop, Library Street, Wigan, from Monday 5th February to Friday 23rd March. Please call 01942 828128 for further details.
Notes To Editors
For further information on this Press Release please contact Chris Dunbar, Media and Public Relations Manager, on 01942 486937.
Arena Housing
Arena Housing supplies around 12,000 homes for 30,000 residents in the North of England. They provide many services such as supported housing for vulnerable tenants; the Care and Repair initiative to help older, disabled or low-income homeowners; assistance in helping the long-term unemployed get back into work; and shared ownership initiatives, which enable limited income people to enjoy the benefits of home ownership.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over 300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough.
Getting Wigan Active
Getting Wigan Active is Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s vision to help people across the Wigan Borough to become more physically, mentally and creatively active. It also aims to increase community activity and to encourage good citizenship.
