Rufford to host Great War event

The drama of the Great War is being commemorated and brought to life in a major event at Rufford Abbey Country Park this weekend.

Britain in The Great War 1914-18, is being organised by Nottinghamshire County Council, as part of the ongoing Trent to Trenches centenary commemoration programme.

One of the most eye-catching activities of the weekend’s event will be a recreation of how the emergency services would have responded to a Zeppelin raid on Rufford Abbey, as happened for real in Nottingham.

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Coun John Knight, council committee chairman for culture, said: “Britain in The Great War 1914-18 will feature a wide range of activities, tactical displays, military drills, talks, exhibits, medical displays and more – as well as the opportunity to commemorate and remember all those involved in the Great War and the immense bravery, commitment and sacrifices that were made.”

Other highlights over the weekend will include The British Lancers and Ju Jistsu Suffragette displays and a Church Parade and act of remembrance on Sunday, in the Upper Floor of the Abbey Ruins.

Military camps and displays and infantry drills will also entertain the crowds.

There will be talks on various topics including one on the Zeppelin menace in Nottingham and a huge range of war-themed stalls and other exhibits in the marquee.

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The event runs from 11am until 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free and car parking is £5.

For more details about the event visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson.

The event is taking place on the exact 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, whose death sparked the start of the First World War.

Howard Giles, of co-organisers EventPlan, added: “As the Centenary approaches it is important to remember the huge commitment that Great Britain made alongside its allies in defeating the German threat, and the price paid by all those who were killed, maimed or otherwise affected. Our commemorative event seeks to honour and remember them all.”

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To commemorate those who fell or were affected by this terrible conflict there will be a final parade and remembrance including piper’s lament, Exhortation, Last Post, minute’s silence, Reveille, and march past by all the living history groups present.