Remembering the First World War 100 years on

Wirksworth Heritage Centre has started a project to investigate all the names on the Wirksworth War Memorial, the findings of which will be exhibited later on in the year at the trust’s new premises in St John’s Street, Wirksworth.

Sally Barkley–Smith, deputy chairman of the heritage centre trustees, said: “We’ve been tracing them on the Wirksworth census so we can find out who they were and where they died and also who their families were. We have found three from Wirksworth who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.”

Anyone wishing to help the project can email Sally at [email protected]

One reader has compiled a collection of newspaper cuttings and pictures of servicemen seriously injured, killed or missing in action as well as images from the frontline.

Among those featured is Bradwell man Lance Corporal H Rodgers, of the Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps, was also killed in action.

The Matlock Mercury wants to hear about the heroics of Dales people both on the homefront and the frontline.

Those with family links, stories, pictures and artefacts are urged to call Christina Massey on 01246 504536, email [email protected] or write to the Matlock, Spire Walk, off Derby Road, Chesterfield S40 2WG.