Women in WW1

The commemorations for the 100th anniversary of World War One went with some dignity I thought, which was good to see.  The ceremonies that I saw remembered those who died quietly and solemnly.

One interesting 21st Century element in these remembrances was the determination not to forget the part played by women in the conflict. 
In some cases of course, as in this memorial piece of 1920s stained-glass in Gnosall Church, women (nurses) were already properly remembered, as well as the male sailors, soldiers and airmen.

Locking up heritage for the future

It is amazing the affection that the small villages of Staffordshire have for their heritage.

This little 'lock-up' (temporary gaol) at Gnosall is a good example.  It's not very old (1820s), and was originally sited elsewhere in the village, but was in the way of a road building programme.  So the village's Women's Institute raised funds to move it - brick by brick - to this new site not far from the church.

Now, I hope I appreciate heritage, but I think I would have just let it go.  Not the villagers of Gnosall though!  I guess they appreciated the sense of the past it gave them.