Bath College students capture First World War memories

Students at Bath College are taking part in a local history project to help preserve peoples’ memories of the First World War.

The Project, called A Century’s Memories, is being run by Bath & North East Somerset Council with £7,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Young people aged 15 to 21-years-old are being trained and supported to conduct interviews in four different areas of the county.

Level 3 health and social care students Kellie Crossthwaite and Freya Game have already started interviewing community members in Radstock.

At the start of January, they spoke to David Taylor, whose father George Henry Taylor started work in the coalmines at 13-years-old.

He was 16 when he enlisted with the Somerset Light Infantry, and after a couple of month’s training, was sent to fight in France.

Kellie and Freya have recorded George’s story to be included in an illustrated commemorative book.

The interview will be kept at the Bath Record Office and used to produce online learning resources for seven to 11-year-olds in schools.

Freya, 20, said: “I thought it seemed a really interesting project. I’ve read a lot about the First World War, but it’s nice to hear real-life stories from people who have a connection with the past.

“I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve enjoyed speaking to David. It’s given me more confidence in meeting people and being able to build up a connection with them.”

A Century’s Memories is part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s plans to commemorate the centenary of the First World War between 2014 and 2018.

This month, health and social care students will also interview members of the Larkhall Friendship Circle at New Oriel Hall and members of the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association in Bath.

All students studying health and social care have access to the Bath College Care Academy, a partnership set up between employers and the college to provide work experience and training.

After the project is completed, there will be a number of celebration and sharing events in September and October.

Mr Taylor, who shared his dad’s photos and war medals during the interview, said: “Dad spent most of the First World War fighting, getting injured and going back to the front again.

“Out of 60 members of his regiment, he was one of two people to survive. I wanted people to hear what happened during the war, and I think the students have done extremely well.

“There are very few people left with direct family who were involved in the First World War, so it’s a good thing they’re doing. I will be interested to see what they do with the interviews, and so will my family.

“I have two grandsons who took dad’s medals to school for a show and tell, and they are quite proud of him.”