Leeds Stories of the Great Way, halfway update

October 2013 Halfway update on Leeds Stories of the Great War

See the Leeds Stories of the Great War page for more information on the aims and research proposal of the project.

On 31st October we had our 2nd whole group meeting and about 50 people attended which was excellent – see all photos from the event on our Facebook page

We have 6 research groups established and at different stages through their projects. 

 

Tetley Brewery

A group of volunteers who have been recruited from an open call out and didn’t know each other before this project, working with the Tetley to explore themes around the business during WW1, its contribution to the war effort, how it was affected by the war – including alcohol restriction and women workers. Their outputs are TBC, but will include some form of dissemination at The Tetley and online.

Academic – Dr. Laura King

Seacroft 1914-1919

A collaboration with Seacroft Arts and Literary Society, a pre-existing group, to research ‘hyper-local’ stories about WW1 and interpret them through a variety of creative outputs made into a booklet, an app and a public trail. This will include painting, photography, poetry and fiction.

Academic – Dr. James Stark

Belgian Refugees in Leeds

A collaboration between UoL, Allerton Grange and Roundhay secondary schools, they will explore a variety of sources to investigate changing attitudes towards Belgian Refugees in Leeds as the First World War progressed.

Academic  – Prof. Alison Fell

Morley 1914

Another ‘hyper-local’ collaboration with a very proactive community group, we will work with them to produce outputs such as talks and walks relating to Morley during WW1 for their Yorkshire Day events (1 August 2014) and are exploring the prospect of working with their German twin town Siegen to explore attitudes to the war through local newspapers.

Academic – Ingrid Sharp

Urban Sprawl

A collaboration between UoL and the homeless theatre company Urban Sprawl. UoL will work with Urban Sprawl to research the family history of their homeless clients or alternative people in WW1 for them to produce scripts from.

Academic – Dr. Claudia Sternberg

University of Leeds

Another group brought together for this project. The team of volunteers was recruited from staff, students and alumni of the University of Leeds. The project is led by local historian, David Stowe, who is also working on the rededication of the Brotherton roll of honour.

Academic – Prof. Graeme Gooday