Paul Church has recently received a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to oversee the restoration of a WW1 memorial stained glass window, as well as delivering an exciting programme of activities, events, heritage interpretation, an oral history project and volunteering opportunities, all connected to the rich heritage of the church. Capital work will improve access and a new kitchen and restroom will enable the church to put on more events such as music concerts, plays and talks. The project will engage with the wider community so the church can expand and enhance its use of the building.
For more information visit their website or Facebook page about upcoming events:
www.penleecluster.org.uk/st-pol-de-leon-hlf-project/
www.facebook.com/Penlee-Cluster-469554759845632/
A performance of Pals by NorthSouth Theatre Company this Saturday 11th November is one of many events planned over the next 18 months.
Pals is an amusing and touching piece of theatre set during the first years of the Great War. This poignant story follows Stan, George and Joe as enthusiastic pals who volunteer to join Kitchener’s new army. Their experience of life on the western front is a stark contrast to what was promised by the officers signing them up: “Back before Christmas, they said.”
Embarrassing medicals, French girls, lice, rats and shrapnel wait for them but their strong friendship and sense of humour will enable these pals to stick together through it all.
Despite the fiction, this story’s background is firmly based in reality as battalions of ‘Pals’ were really formed from groups of friends and work-mates, and they fought together just as they do in the play. The transition from being caught up in the propaganda machine which promised glory and honour, to the reality of their situation (rats, lice and all), takes you on an unforgettable and gripping journey.