Wars remembered with series of events in Poole

Borough of Poole’s arts and museum services have collaborated on We’ll Meet Again, Don’t Know Where, Don’t Know When: Voices of Departure from Poole, a project marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Artist Jacky Oliver will be at Poole Museum every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout June. The experienced silversmith, blacksmith and book-maker will be using historical material to inspire her work as well as working with the local community.

Her finished work will be displayed in Poole Museum before moving to the Musée de la Libération in Poole’s twin-town in France, Cherbourg-Octeville.

Cllr Xena Dion, portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole, said: “Poole played a vital role in the Second World War as the third largest embarkation point for troops involved in the D-Day landings.

“It is important that we continue to recognise the contribution that was made that day.”

To commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War this August, a nationwide Lights Out event is being held. The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Peter Adams, will be commemorating this historic moment with a special event being held at the Poole Park War Memorial at 10pm on 4 August.

Local artist Martin Coyne will be creating a new light and sound work that will illuminate the war memorial. Residents interested in contributing their voices to the recorded soundtrack should email martin.coyne@gmail.com The following evening, August 5, Poole-based Valise Noire Storytelling Theatre will present Poppy Fields, a performance in Poole Park that is part of a reminiscence project about the heritage of the people of Bournemouth and Poole in 1914.

Cllr Peter Adams, Mayor of Poole, said: “The First World War changed the world, so it is absolutely right that we mark the centenary and that we put remembrance at the heart of this commemoration.

“These events will help everyone understand and reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice that so many made during that time."