Our local village of North Cerney is fortunate in having a village hall that serves the local community by providing a safe, convenient and comfortable venue for events such as jumble sales, community suppers, pantomimes and a number of classes and activities.

The hall was built in 1926 as a memorial to those who fought and died in the ‘Great War for Civilisation’, so it was appropriate that, with the centenary of Britain’s entry into the War approaching, the Hall should act as the focus the village’s commemoration.

Last weekend’s activities included a fascinating talk by Lt Col (Retd) Rob Dixon OBE, Chairman of Trustees of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, about Gloucestershire during the war.  This was followed by a workshop for families which brought to life the experiences of the many young men from the county who enlisted.

My own little contribution to the weekend was to bring together a mini-exhibition with information about the men of North Cerney and Bagendon who went off to war – some, of course, never to return.   Fascinating staff and an ‘enjoyable’ insight into local history.