Partnership for the Centenary of the First World War
The First World War Centenary Partnership, directed by IWM and supported by Arts Council England and Culture 24, brings together dozens of organizations and millions of individuals throughout the world to commemorate the First World War's centenary from 2014 to 2018.
The 100th Anniversary of the First World War
By commemorating the 100th anniversary of the conclusion of World War One, the Council paid tribute to the sacrifices made by men and women who fought in the military. In October 2018, the Royal British Legion installed 'Silent Soldier Silhouettes' with poppy emblems and a base plate plaque with the phrase 1914-1918 and 'Lest we forget' at the war monuments in Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, and Burscough.
- The Clock Tower in Ormskirk and the Light Cube in Skelmersdale were both painted red around Remembrance Sunday to symbolize community support for the commemorations.
- On 11 November 2018, a piper's tribute played 'When the Battle's O'er' at Coronation Park, Ormskirk, at 6 a.m. to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.
- As they do every year, veterans' organizations, the Council, and a number of Parish Councils and local churches held Remembrance Sunday services during the day in Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, and across West Lancashire.
Then, at 7 p.m., a beacon was illuminated in Beacon Country Park as West Lancashire joined over 370 councils and 1,000 beacon sites throughout the country in a show of respect and recognition. The Last Post was played across the country prior to the lighting of the beacons at 6.55 p.m.
Opening the Gates
The Chapel Gallery sponsored a World War One Heritage Project honoring women's contributions to the war effort, with a focus on a number of ladies with significant ties to West Lancashire.
Heritage Lottery funding was received to build this in collaboration with Edge Hill University and the Ormskirk and District Family History Society. Local schools were involved in the exhibition "Opening the Gates," which ran from October 6, 2018 to January 19, 2019.
Centenary of the First World War
The centenary of the First World War was commemorated for over 10 years, culminating in November 2018.