First World War: Then and Now
A collection of letters discovered in a family bible by a member of staff at North Tyneside Voluntary Organisations Development Agency (VODA) formed the basis of this project to help young people find out more about the First World War. The letters were written by Private Ralph Daglish, who served in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and are now held by his great-great-nephew.
The letters inspired the young people to understand the life of a soldier and the changing roles of women during the First World War. Posters and other materials provided context.
The young people worked with a history group and local historians to understand the heritage and bring to life what it was like for women and families in Tyneside during the war. They wrote a variety of letters to people living through the war, including morale-boosting letters to soldiers at the frontline. Participants also researched and wrote letters about women's changing roles.
They created posters and the Yours Sincerely film based on letters sent by Private Daglish. Two banners were developed describing the project findings.