A GROUP of Kidderminster historians want residents to help them find out what life was like in the town during the First World War.

The Kidderminster and District Archaeological and Historical Society has been given the goahead by History Press to write a book about the town’s story during the 1914 to 1918 conflict.

Researchers have been trawling through copies of The Shuttle from the period to find out what it was like in Kidderminster at the time.

They also want residents who have had memorabilia or stories from family members passed down to them to come forward at an open day at the Museum of Carpet, Green Street, on Saturday, May 25, from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

Mrs Dickson said: “There is a lot written about what went on in the trenches but we want to find out what was going on in England on the home front.

“We are appealing for information that children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of people around at the time may have.

“It is extremely important not to forget the First World War – both the sacrifices of people who fought but a lot of people back in the town made tremendous sacrifices.

“For every man from Kidderminster who died in the War there was a family back in Kidderminster who had to cope without him.”

During the conflict, carpet factories in the town were used to make munitions as well as canvases, coats and blankets to help the war effort. In textile towns such as Kidderminster, there were more opportunities for women to work compared to other places.

“We want to encourage people to come forward,” said Mrs Dickson.

“How did families manage without their main breadwinners?

Did family members work in the carpet factories? Were they involved in the fund-raising which went on?”

The book must be written and submitted by March, 2014 and would then be published about six months later.

  •  If you are unable to attend the open day, contact the society through its website communigate.co.uk/worcs/kidderminsterhistorysoc/