Hayling Island University of the Third Age are staging a special Exhibition at the Royal British Legion Cub, Hayling Island from the 1st – 16th November and is open every weekday from 1-4pm Saturdays and Sundays 10-4pm.
The Exhibition is part of the Commemorations to remember the men who lost their lives during the First World War and the sacrifice the families living on the Island made. The residents of Hayling Island, mainly the women folk, had to keep the many farms productive as well as offering their services to help staff the Volunteer Detachment Convalescent Hospital for wounded Service men.
The Exhibition includes a number of genuine uniforms worn by various armies and over 100 artefacts from the battlefront. Local items include a handmade Wedding Dress of the period. The five Island Schools have prepared special panels depicting events of the period.
The pupils at the Schools are being encouraged to take part in two competitions involving a piece of Art Work or Creative writing, and it is hoped that early in the New Year a small booklet will be produced recording their efforts as part of the legacy of Hayling’s contribution to the Commemorative events.
The members of the U3A have been researching the lives of all families who lost loved ones and have produced a book ‘The Life and Times on Hayling Island 1914-1919’, copies are available at the exhibition.
A special Service of Dedication and Remembrance will be held, on the 11thNovember at St. Mary’s Church at 10.45am, to unveil plaques recording the twenty six men whose names are not recorded on the existing Memorial Plaques.