The Atkinson Celebrates Armed Forces Day

The Atkinson will once again be proudly celebrating Armed Forces Day.  This year will see the telling the WW1 story of 'he Angels of Mons and there will be a distinct 1914 feel.

Experience a vibrant day of remembrance and discovery featuring:
Angels of Mons exhibition.
WW1 reenactors.
Military Vehicle Trust.
Free family drop in craft activities.
Charity stalls.
A Great Little Place will be open.
A History Buddies exhibition inside the Discovery Box.

Talk: The Man Who Shod War Horses with Martin Jones at 13:00.  This is a talk detailing the family history of John Westhead, who was killed in France in WW1.  He was the local village blacksmith at Newburgh in West Lancashire.  In 1914 he joined the Army Remount Depot, which had been opened in the next village, as a civilian Smith/Farrier.  In 1915 all fit men were forced to sign up for war duties.  He signed up at the age of 42. and was 44 when he was killed.  During the war over 300.000 horses and mules were trained for war activities at the Depot.  In 2004 documents were found relating to his war time experience.  The story is based around these documents and personal letters.