Welcome back to 2014....

The Ryde Goes to War project recently held its first meeting for 2014.
We were pleased to welcome so many of our researchers and get their updates on their progress in researching each group of surnames.

In Summary of 2013:

* Our database of names was divided alphabetically, with each researcher given a letter to try to identify and flesh out the story of each name, and find connections to the district. We have tied to identify and eliminate any duplication of names, but agree that some might not be found.

* We searched for any newspapers available detailing local reports of service, wounded, deaths and the home front.

* We also conducted a photo & transcription day at Field of Mars Cemetery, Ryde,  to identify and record all Commonwealth War Grave headstones and any other WWI memorials. (One section remains to be completed)

 Our planning for 2014 has commenced -- what we will do with, and how we will use all the data we are collecting. We also established a publishing sub-committee to look at, how we can tell the stories of those on our lists who have tales to tell, who gets included and the format it will take.

Our Committee was also represented at meetings with the local community and Council Committee in supporting and planning for the Centenary of WWI.

We look forward to sharing the journey of the Project in 2014.