The Prince of Wales visited
The National Archives at Kew, south west London, on Tuesday 8 April
to meet veterans of the First World War, gathering together for the
last time. The veterans, aged between 102 and 108, attended an educational
event organised jointly by the Dark Horse Venture charity and the
World War One Veterans Association.
The veterans spent the day sharing memories and experiences. They
met His Royal Highness and talked to schoolchildren (in Year 10, aged
14-15) from Tring in Hertfordshire, who took part in a World War One
workshop organised by The National Archives. Other schools from Newcastle,
Merseyside and Dublin participated in a live videoconference link
to the workshop, with a veteran and an actor playing the part of a
Great War soldier.
Sarah Tyacke, Chief Executive of The National Archives, said:
I am delighted that The National Archives is hosting this
momentous event and especially honoured that the Prince of Wales
is visiting us today (8 April). The National Archives - which brings
together the Public Record Office and the Historical Manuscripts
Commission - seeks to safeguard the nation's memory for present
and future generations to enjoy. Today's meeting of World War One
veterans and Year 10 schoolchildren is a marvellous opportunity
to show how archives and oral history can bring history to life.
Tom O'Leary, head of The National Archives' education department,
said:
Today's event is just one example of the many opportunities
which The National Archives offers for pupils of all ages to work
as real historians, investigating original sources from the past
through the technology of the future.
The National Archives holds a considerable amount of material about
the First World War. Many records of individual soldiers were destroyed
or damaged by enemy action in the Second World War. Those that survived
- the so-called "Burnt Documents"- have now all been microfilmed and
are available for viewing at The National Archives in Kew.
Roger Kershaw, historian at The National Archives, said:
Anyone interested in the First World War will find a wealth
of material preserved here at The National Archives. The records
- ranging from high level policy documents to files covering the
careers of millions of men and women - are available to any member
of the public.
Steve Goodwin, Director of The Dark Horse Venture, said:
The Dark Horse Venture is a national charity that operates
the UK's largest award scheme for retired and older people - helping
them to put their work and life skills to practical and creative
use. It doesn't campaign on behalf of older people but helps them
to speak for themselves through the things they aspire to and achieve.
The ethos of the charity is to focus on what is right with older
people rather than what is wrong with them.
The event at Kew, so appropriately hosted by The National Archives,
will highlight a new project of the charity which will turn oral
history material into the latest virtual reality technology to create
a learning resource for future generations.
Dennis Goodwin, Chairman of the World War One Veterans Association,
said:
After 15 years of organising reunions and pilgrimages
for the veterans of the Great War, the World War One Veterans Association
is choosing to go out on a high note, rather than fade away. We
are using our long- standing collaboration with The Dark Horse Venture
to create a unique inter-generational event where veterans hand
over their own archive recordings and memorabilia to launch a new
resource for learners of all ages which will use the latest technology.
The Association's focus has not been to look back but to look forward
and this seems a fitting way to leave a legacy for the children
of today.
For further information please contact: Clea Relly or Siobhan Wakely
at The National Archives Press
Office. |
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