Pages of the Sea … Danny Boyle’s commission for 14-18 NOW to mark the centenary of Armistice Day will be taking place on Weymouth Beach on 11 November.
On 11 November 2018, the public is invited to gather on beaches across the UK for an informal, nationwide gesture of remembrance for the men and women who left their home shores during the First World War. Each event centres around the drawing of a large-scale portrait of a casualty from the First World War which will be washed away as the tide comes in. In addition, the public will be asked to join in by creating stenciled silhouettes of people in the sand, remembering the millions of lives lost or changed forever by the conflict. A new poem by Carol Ann Duffy has been commissioned to be performed by local communities, and individuals are encouraged to take part online and say a personal thank you and goodbye at pagesofthesea.org.uk
Further opportunities for the local community to get involved in the project have been announced by Dorset organisers Activate Performing Arts
Creative Writing Workshop
Tuesday 23rd October and Tuesday 30th October, 2pm – 4pm
Weymouth Library, Great George St, Weymouth DT4 8NN
Join a FREE two- part poetry workshop. Explore the work of war poets Wilfred Owen, Rupert Brooke and others through reading and discussion leading to the creation of new poems from workshop prompts and tuition. Led by Matt West from Artful Scribe.
Book now via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/up-to-the-line-creative-writing-workshop-a-part-of-pages-of-the-sea-tickets-51327816882
Family History Workshop
Wed 24th October 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm
Dorset History Centre, Dorchester DT1 1RP
This free event led by Maria Gayton will give individuals and families the chance to research their family history and personal connection to the First World War. Guided by experts and with a wealth of resources available at the Dorset History Centre, this is a fantasticopportunity to discover your own links to World War One, and a chance to say a very personal thank you and goodbye at the Pages of the Sea event on 11th November.
Tickets are FREE but limited to 20 places only and must be booked in advance.
Book now via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-history-workshop-tickets-51284417072
ANZAC Story Cafe
Sat 27th October 2pm – 5pm
Waverley Community Hub, 121 Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, DT4 0JX
Ever wondered why the streets in Westham are named after Australia? Come and find out the vital role that Weymouth played supporting Australian and New Zealand soldiers during World War One.
You are invited to join local historians and residents for a free, informal afternoon discovering this fascinating time in Weymouth’s history. Bring along your own stories to share, delve into the Anzac history archives or simply find out more from the experts.
FREE event with no booking required. Free refreshments provided.
Open Mic Sessions
Sunday 11th November
Weymouth Beach: 1pm – 2pm and 3pm – 4pm
Lyme Regis: 2pm – 3pm
In addition to Carol Ann Duffy’s new poem you are invited to share your own chosen words which can be on a personal level on the beach or through the informal ‘Open Mic’ sessions available during the afternoon. Contributions to share may include existing poems, letters or pieces of writing or be a new response to the First World War you have created personally or with a group.
Register your interest in sharing your words here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJ-MYS5AnU0f2OmUV_pr68szTXCTzvKRvQvegp0Ha-L_0wtQ/viewform
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset County Council’s Member Champion for Community Services and Military/Civilian Integration, said:
“It is imperative that we all Commemorate the Centenary of the First World War, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives that we might live in freedom. Every single one of us is connected to the Great War through blood line and they must never be forgotten.”
Pages of the Sea is commissioned and produced by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, and delivered with partner organisations across the UK: National Trust; Activate Performing Arts; Creative Foundation; Eden Project; National Theatre Scotland; Nerve Centre; Swansea City Council and Sunderland Culture.
Supported by The National Lottery and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
With additional support from Backstage Trust, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) and National Rail.
Dorset events are funded by Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, with additional support from the Arts Development Company.
The public can find out more about the national project by visiting www.pagesofthesea.org.uk
Further information around Dorset events at https://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/pages-of-the-sea-danny-boyle-0
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