Your Heritage
Slough Museum’s Frank Went to the Front project engaged community volunteers and students in an exploration of how the conflict impacted the Berkshire town.
Teenagers from the Langley Academy explored the life and work of Paul Nash, who is buried locally. They were trained in a range of new skills and produced an exhibition for the Museum.
A First World War diary kept by local lad Eric Currie was the catalyst for a drama performance produced by students from Royal Holloway College. Eric was called up to fight a few weeks before the end of the war. His diary entries revealed the impact of the conflict on Slough, and on family and British life.
Other volunteers researched the history of the Horlicks drink factory, including its contribution to the war effort through the supply of Horlicks to soldiers fighting at the front. They also researched the names of employees on the war memorial in the grounds of the Horlicks factory.
Megan Barker from Langley Academy said: “Participation in the project enabled students to gain an Arts Award and an invaluable addition to their CVs. The students were also able to develop transferable skills and explore a variety of potential careers by working with curators, education staff, graphic designers and carpenters.”