PEOPLE are being asked to send coloured ribbons with messages of remembrance to be tied to a special mannequin as part of the commemorations to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Historian Jane Ainsworth is leading a project to create commemorative replicas of the regimental flags of the two Barnsley ‘Pals’ Batalions, which will be blessed by Fr Stephen Race at St Mary’s Church in town at 12.15 on November 11.
Before then Jane is asking people to send ribbons to be tied to the mannequin as part of a wider display at the church on the day.
“We have purchased an attractive metal mannequin onto which to attach ribbons,” said Jane, of Victoria Road, Barnsley.
“The female shape represents women who performed many different roles during the war. They supported the war effort as nurses, munitions factory workers or filling jobs left by serving men. They were involved with fund-raising and morale-boosting by writing letters or sending comforts, and they looked after the family at home.
Women were also the principal mourners as mothers and wives for sons and husbands killed or injured while serving their country.
“The intention of the ribbons is to remember individuals. These will be primarily, but not exclusively, men who sacrificed their lives in the war effort.”
Anyone who would like to contribute a ribbon is asked to use red, white or blue to ribbon about half-an-inch wide and 12 to 24 inches long, allowing sufficient length for it to be tied onto the mannequin before writing a name onto it.
“Please send ribbons before November 8 with a covering letter providing your details plus the names and information about the individual or individuals commemorated for us to include in a Memorial Book.
“They can be posted to me at 45 Victoria Road, Barnsley, S70 2BU, or left in St Mary’s Church addressed to me.”
