Created by the local authority’s Libraries team, and funded through a Heritage Lottery grant, Beyond The War Memorials aims to tell the stories of the heroes and heroines of conflict who are listed on memorials across the borough.
Almost 2,000 households in Sefton will now receive Last Post packs through their door, detailing the name and wartime heroics of the former occupant of their address.
It is hoped the campaign will inspire families to take up their own historical detective work and find out more about those who may have lived in their home and fought in conflict.
As part of the project, a dedicated website, created in conjunction with Southport web-design team 67-70 Media, has also launched detailing Sefton’s 11 Civic War Memorials and those names listed upon them.
School children from across the borough have worked closely with Sefton artist Angie Thompson to create images for the Last Post packs, and 15 local volunteers have worked alongside professional researcher Kathryn Rogerson to uncover the stories.
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “This is one of the most detailed, emotive and thought-provoking project we have ever done and we are incredibly proud of the hard work which has gone into it.”
“We want to highlight the brave men and women who gave their lives during conflict for the freedom from oppression that we enjoy today, we also hope that residents will treasure their packs and hand them on to future generations”
“Beyond The War Memorials is a living digital biography for most, if not all, the heroic residents of Sefton, who are listed on our Civic War Memorials.
“So keep an eye out for Last Post packs coming through your door and be sure to visit our Beyond the War Memorials website to contribute, learn and remember.”
Throughout the geographical area now known as Sefton, almost 4,000 men and women lost their lives during the Great War and their names are listed on one of 11 memorials throughout the borough.
To find out more visit www.seftonwarmemorials.org
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