Guided walks around Langside and Newlands will tell untold stories

Because of Covid-19 the festival has gone online this year, so rather than the event and activities that were initially planned two self-guided tours around the area have been developed.

These will be complemented with some videos which will give festival goers a view into the two church buildings and also share some of the stories not included in the walks.

Ruth Forsythe, community development director at Finn’s Place, said: “As a follow on from events in 2018, in Langside and Newlands, which explored the stories of those who died in WW1, this year we have researched the stories of the names on the war memorial in Battlefield West Parish Church (now Langside) and in the book of remembrance at Newlands South, to discover the stories of their lives, their families and their service during the war.

“We have also uncovered stories of those who served and then came home, sometimes going on to contribute in some significant ways to society.

“The two walks will include the stories of those who lived in the two areas of Battlefield and Newlands – their family backgrounds, the service they joined during the war, where they served and how they died.

“Along with the stories there is insight into what the area would have looked like in the 1940s during

the war, with changes in workplaces, buildings, shops, culture and everyday life.”

The organisers are looking to build on this resource by adding other stories of those who lived in the area.

An online event will take place via Zoom on Saturday, September 19, at 7.30pm to share what they have learned and discovered during and also ask for those who attend what untold stories of the war they can share.

To register visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/langside-church-and-newlands-south-church-untold-stories-of-ww2-tickets-118521526075.

The walks can be found by downloading the Guidigo App (www.guidigo.com/App) and searching for Langside Walk and Newlands South Walk.