A PROJECT to commemorate the 100th anniversary since the start of the First World War is off – and in – the ground.

Poppies have been planted by Wiveliscombe Primary School students to mark the start of a series of events planned to commemorate the centenary of the Great War.

Seeds were buried by the doctors’ surgery on Croft Way and a working group has been set up to organise other commemorative events.

Cllr Stephen Shopland said: “Wiveliscombe has got a lot planned to commemorate this historical war.

“We thought it would be a good idea to get the school involved and by planting the poppies now, hopefully they will flower in time for Armistice Day, while getting the children involved will also help with their learning of the war.”

As part of the celebrations, there will be a silent film festival on the weekend of September 5-7 to coincide with the annual street market and carnival.

Students at Kingsmead are working with the Somerset Heritage Service and doing their own research in school, while primary school pupils on board to research children who were born in Wiveliscombe from 1914-1918.

Pauline Homeshaw, of the working group, said: “There are direct links there with some families who are still residents here.

“It is hoped to create a book about some of these families, illustrated by the children and the project will be called Wiveliscombe Children of the Great War.

“We are going to try to find funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund for this. The focus is not on the Western Front but on the Home Front and those families who existed here during and after the war, sometimes without their parents.”

Some others events are in line to be held at the Recreation Ground but more details will be announced in the coming months.

If you have any ideas, contact Pauline on homeshaw@btopenworld.com