The Colne Commemorates Co-ordinator, Eleanor Jolley, has released details of the Recruitment Events which are to be scheduled hourly at The Gables (Old Library, behind the War Memorial) from noon.
“The idea is to recreate an authentic Recruitment Hall,” explained Eleanor. “The Gables is the perfect venue and we thank the Bethel Methodists for loaning it to us. We’ll be seeking “new recruits” who will then be put through their paces by Tommies from Lancashire Museums Service. In keeping with the real recruitment events of the time, there will be dancing and the singing of patriotic songs designed to encourage men to sign up.”
“I’d like to thank our performers: David Hargreaves, Georgina Parker, Jack Bowtell, Edward Cockburn-Price, Angela Schofield, The Grist Group and The Ardenettes – prepare to be both entertained and moved!”
As well as all the drama in The Gables, amateur dramatics groups will flood the town with century old memories at indoor and outdoor venues all over Colne throughout the day. The day formally begins with a veterans’ and cadets’ parade, which will form up at The British Legion at 9.45 a.m. and march with the Accrington Pipe Band to Colne’s War Memorial where a short service will be held at 11 a.m.
