The centenary of the First World War is almost upon us and interest in what was said to be the war to end all wars still fascinates and stirs debate.

A conference about the Great War is to be held at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in November to discuss ‘ local identities, recruitment, the war effort, and memorialisation’.

Lancashire had many Pals battalions including Preston Pals, commemorated by a plaque at Preston railway station. The station itself famously fed and watered thousands of soldiers passing through the town on their way to the Western Front For many, a one-way journey.

New research into the conflict has brought to light fascinating evidence of the war and its impact.

‘Finding Identities; Lancashire and the First World War’ will will include both keynote speakers, and opportunities to visit the Harris Museum and the newly restored Preston Cenotaph; the recently opened First World War gallery in the Museum of Lancashire and the Lancashire Infantry Museum at Fulwood Barracks.

Over two days, the conference features on the Saturday speakers Andy Robertshaw who will give a talk on ‘the 1st Lancashire Fusiliers on 1st July 1916 in films and photographs’, John Garlington and ‘Preston’s War Memorial – well worth the long, long trail a winding’ and a light installation by Andy McKeown at the Preston Cenotaph,

On the Sunday there will be several discussions around ‘Memorials’, Recruitment and Training’, The Home Front’ and ‘Remembering’.

Sunday will also see a première off newly digitised First World War films by Preston filmmaker Will Onda from the British Film Institute collection and ‘The North West at War’ presented by North West Film Archive

The conference costs £40 for both days or £25 just for one day.

To register your interest please E-mail: findingidentities@uclan.ac.uk or tel 01772 894500

23 – 24 November 2013

Greenbank Building
University of Central Lancashire
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2HE