A THEATRE group in the New Forest is set to re-tell a World War I story which transformed a community.

When East Boldre was used as a base for a flying school by the Royal Flying Corps in 1915, the sleepy village was changed forever.

Around 30 brave pilots were killed in training accidents, with 19 laid to rest in the village churchyard.

This period is now set to be depicted by a cast of 20, including members of the Lymington and Pilley Players, residents of East Boldre and cadets from the Lymington and Hythe Air Cadet Force.

From Forest Field to Western Front by John Smith will be performed on three nights in May at East Boldre Village Hall.

Mr Smith said: “Lord John Montagu, father of the present Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, is to be played by Malcolm Ross and airfield surveyor and talented pianist William Steel will be portrayed by Pilley Players’ popular pianist George Mills.

“RFC officers, ground crew, engineers and East Boldre residents are played by other members of the cast.”

He added: “From Forest Field to Western Front forms the perfect prelude to the spring bank holiday programme of events to commemorate the arrival of the Royal Flying Corps at East Boldre.

“This includes a talk by New Forest MP Dr Julian Lewis on the politics of the First World War, a previously unseen exhibition of photographs of the wartime airfield, a flying display by replica World War I aircraft and a commemorative service in the Parish Church.”

Tickets are £5 and the performance is being staged on May 19, 20 and 21 at 7.30pm.

They are available from East Boldre Post Office or from Sue Adams on 01590 612887.

For further details of East Boldre’s World War I commemorative events go to www.eastboldre.talktalk.net.