Poignant reminders of the First World War have been featured at two events organised by the Friends of Ellesmere Library in the run up the centenary of the Armistice.

Local people were given an opportunity to share stories about their families’ involvement in the war and take along mementoes at a “show and tell” afternoon in the town’s library, Our Space.

Among those contributing were former soldier John Ellis, from Tetchill, who proudly produced two war-front diaries, in which his father recorded his part in the four year conflict. Friends’ supporter Peter Sanderson displayed a souvenir copy of the Daily Mail, marking the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, while Penny Parker recited a poem in tribute to her grandfather, who was killed in action, only sixteen days before the guns fell silent on the Western Front.

The library also exhibited a roll of honour, listing the 67 local men and one woman commemorated on the town’s war memorial for their sacrifice between 1914-18.

Other display boards featured Ellesmere’s role on the home front, including the use of Oteley House and Trimpley Hall as auxiliary hospitals treating wounded troops.

The afternoon was co-ordinated by Carole Youngs, Geraldine Potter, Sue Ardill and other members of the Friends of the Library Events Committee.

A few days earlier, on World Book Night, the Friends group held an evening at the Boathouse, with a First World War theme. Seventy-five guests enjoyed a two-course supper, followed by a music, drama and poetry performance.

They were also able to look at special displays, including a collection of war memorabilia brought along by Oswestry military historian Simon Jarman, and a selection of pictures by war artists exhibited by local artist and designer Tony Lewery.

A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Friends’ vice-chair Sue Ardill said: “It was a very successful evening and those who attended were very complimentary.

"A tremendous amount of effort went into both events and we felt it was a very worthwhile contribution to Ellesmere’s commemoration of the Armistice centenary.”