A SPECIAL First World War commemoration evening is being held by Wyre Forest Historical Research Group at Kidderminster Town Hall.

The group is inviting residents to bring along memorabilia, including photographs, memorial plaques, medals and letters, relating to their ancestors from the First World War to be on display at the event on Tuesday, November 25.

Instead of one longer talk which the group usually hosts, there will be a number of short presentations, starting at 7pm, from members of the group who have researched their war-time ancestors.

Local stories will include William Broadfield, who was born in Kidderminster in 1881 and killed in France in 1916, leaving his widow and seven children.

There will also be tales about the Barlow family from Horsefair, Kidderminster, and the Pritchard’s from Wilden.

Gay Hill, research and publicity officer, said: “We realised that there have been a number of commemorations this year aimed towards soldiers from the local area and we wanted to include people with ancestors from outside the area.

“I was also very much aware that I was unable to help many people who came along to the Great War Exhibition at Kidderminster Town Hall, in September, because of time constraints and some problems with technology.

“The group would therefore like to help everyone who comes along with stories and memorabilia to track down any surviving records for their ancestors.

“We would like to help as our way of commemorating those that died during the 1914 to 18 war.”

The meeting, which includes a small entry fee and refreshments, will take place in the King Charles Room at Kidderminster Town Hall.

For more information, contact Gay Hill on 01562 746370 or email gshill2011@hotmail.co.uk