Moray Hosts War Open Day
People are being encouraged to search attics and cupboards for First World War memorabilia for a special event in Keith today.
People are being encouraged to search attics and cupboards for First World War memorabilia for a special event in Keith today.
The open day is the latest in a series marking the centenary of the conflict in which thousands of servicemen from those areas which now make up Moray fought and gave their lives.
It will feature displays of posters, artefacts, photographs and newspapers of the time, while locally based experts Derek Bird and Jill Stewart will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on tracing military ancestry.
There will also be a fascinating collection of World War One weapons for visitors to handle.
The event, which will run from 10am to 1pm, is part of the Moray’s War initiative which aims to develop a comprehensive record of Moray and its people during the period 1914 to 1918.
Previous open days have seen medals, weapons, mustard gas jars and diaries brought along by people who have had them handed down or who have found them in cupboards or the back of a drawer.
Clare Russell, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, said the Keith event was an important opportunity to add to what was already known about the involvement in the Great War by the people of Morayshire and what was then part of Banffshire.
She said: “I would encourage everyone to give their support by attending the event on October 24 and by looking out material relevant to that time.
“Moray’s War already has a great deal of information but there is so much more to discover and collect.”