WW1 Centenary Commemorations ?

[Peter Brydon]

I saw on the local news this morning that "Liverpool will be leading the WW1 100th anniversary cultural commemorations " and it appears that as part of this they will be getting the giant puppets back that they had in the city a couple of years ago.

The puppets were dressed as a little girl, a deep sea diver and a dog. Unless the way the puppets were kitted out are changed I cannot really see the connection with WW1.

When walking my dog earlier I met a neighbour who was a fellow member of our sadly disbanded local branch of the WFA and we got talking about the commemorations. When I mentioned the Liverpool event he said he hoped the commemorations would not turn into a circus.

Thinking about it, I hope he is right.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/merseyside/

P.B.

[johnG]

I fully agree with you Peter, and note some sources are already twisting it to question why we are "celebrating" the START of WW1, ignoring the fact it is a commemoration, and a remembrance, not a celebration. Guess we will always be stuck with people who will distort facts and screw things up to suit their own agenda.

Regards,

John

[Paul Spellman]

I went to see the 'Giants' last time they where in Liverpool. It was a fantastic production and ran with a very moving story over a couple of days across the city which had a lot of relevance to Liverpool. I am sure that the company (who are I believe French) will stage another memorable event in Liverpool.
I doubt many people see the upcoming anniversaries as celebrations but more as a rememberence and I for one are in favour of anything that brings it all to peoples attention.
Paul

[Sonofacqms]

I cannot see either what puppets have got to do with commemorations of the Great War, surely the casualty figure speak for themselves . . !

Rob

[Peter Brydon]

and the person in overall charge of this countries commemorations is the Minister for Sport and Tourism

P.B.

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by Peter Brydon

and the person in overall charge of this countries commemorations is the Minister for Sport and Tourism

P.B.

That decsion is nothing short of grotesque.

"My subject is war, and the pity of war. The poetry is in the pity." - Wilfred Owen. Poet and Soldier. KIA 4 November 1918

[wardog]

Better way to spend money with a long term aim. Also on BBC South Today.
http://www.blackmorevale.co.uk/Herit...ail/story.html

[REMEVMBEA1]

Originally Posted by Peter Brydon

and the person in overall charge of this countries commemorations is the Minister for Sport and Tourism

P.B.

I suppose this could be because that is the department most involved with events of all sort in the country, the alternative would be to form another department which seems to be a bit pointless. Someone has to be in charge I suppose and no matter who was chosen someone would disagree.

[badger123]

Originally Posted by Peter Brydon

and the person in overall charge of this countries commemorations is the Minister for Sport and Tourism

P.B.

To be fair, the Government Department responsible for these events is actually the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Their remit includes:

Protecting, conserving and providing access to the historic environment in England.

Maintaining world leading national museums and galleries and supporting the museum sector.

Seems to me the responsibility for WW1 commemorative events is in vested in the right place.

[Paul Spellman]

It seems the Event in Liverpool with the Giants ( I think the media sprung term puppets is a bit unfair) is fully supported by and will have promiment roles for the Kings (Liverpool branch)Regiment and Liverpool PALS Associations, the planning and content for the storyline for the event has taken place over a long period of time and I think any criticism of such an event that has yet to take place is a bit premature
Paul