RUSSELL Homes is supporting a commemorative event for the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in Holmes Chapel.

The housebuilder has made a donation of £250 to help the Holmes Chapel and District University of the Third Age (U3A) stage the exhibition from November 9 to 11 at St Luke’s Hall in Holmes Chapel.

The exhibition will feature stories of the 225 local men who fought in the war, and look at how the community celebrated Armistice Day in November 1918.

Displays will include photographs of the men, and their stories. The exhibition will also show examples of the handmade clothes their families would have sent to the front line.

These have been produced for the exhibition from original pattern books by knitting and sewing groups in the village.

A celebratory atmosphere will be created with music from the time provided by school choirs, Holmes Chapel Singers, guitar and ukulele music groups. Refreshments will also be available.

Organisers hope the free three-day event will attract people from across the district, in particular children and young people. To that end, local schools will be invited to arrange group visits on the Friday.

John Clowes, Holmes Chapel parish councillor, is leader of the U3A history group.

He said: “It is only fitting that on the centenary of the end of the ‘Great War’ we remember and pay tribute to the 225 local men who fought.

“This event is designed to commemorate the sacrifices made by so many both at home and in the forces, and to look back at how this tight-knit community celebrated such a momentous occasion.

“We staged a similar event for the centenary of the start of the war but have added much to our research since then which we wish to share with the community.

“The support we have received from local businesses has been invaluable and we want to thank them all for their donations.

“It was lovely to meet the team at Russell Homes and have a look around the Saltersford Gardens development. We hope the new residents will feel part of the community and that this exhibition will tell them something of the history of the village.”

The grant has been made from Russell Homes’ Saltersford Gardens Community Fund, a pot of money set aside for local charitable causes and events.

Gill Richardson, Russell Homes sales manager, said: “This promises to be a fascinating look at the life of Holmes Chapel in 1918, and we are very proud to be supporting an event which will commemorate the lives of those who fought for their country 100 years ago.

“As a housebuilder we are investing in the future of our communities, and this is an opportunity for us to invest a little in the past as well.

“We are always keen to support educational activities which benefit local young people, and will be encouraging our visitors to go along to the exhibition and get to know the history of their town a little better.”

Saltersford Gardens is a development of family homes in Holmes Chapel.