A PROJECT enabling people in Taunton and the surrounding areas to preserve the memories of people who served and lived during the First World War is being organised.

Taunton’s Creative Innovation Centre (CICCIC) is delivering the project to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Staff and volunteers will collect photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters, military artefacts and photos of keepsakes, as well as family tales to help build a clear picture of what life was like.

The project includes a range of public events where you can drop in and share your family history.

There will also be a website launched where people can enter their relative’s photos and stories and view an online exhibition.

A special service will be held at St Mary’s of Magdalene, and a four week physical exhibition at CICCIC in November 2015.

All information collated will be indexed for life by the British Library so future generations can learn about WW1.

CICCIC director Andrew Knutt said: “You can bring your photos, posters, medals, clothing, books, diaries, poems, objects made by service men, uniforms, coins, plaques, service documents, models, drawings, paintings, military artefacts and more.

“Your family do not need to be from Taunton Deane at the time of the war but you must be a Taunton Deane resident.”

Partners of the project include the Heritage Lottery Fund, 40 Commando, Taunton Deane Borough Council, The Historical Association and others.

CICCIC’s director Richard Holt added: “We are working with five secondary schools and teaching student volunteers on documenting and understanding WW1 and have a range of events for the public to bring their artefacts, stories and photos.”

To help put your family WW1 history on the map for future generations you can attend one of the following events:

• Sat May 2 - CICCIC, Paul St, Taunton 9.30am-3.00pm

• Tues May 5 - CICCIC, Paul St, Taunton 9.30am-3.00pm

• Weds May 6 - CICCIC, Paul St, Taunton 9.30am-3.00pm

• Thurs May 7 - CICCIC, Paul St, Taunton 9.30am-3.00pm

• Sat May 9 - Queen’s College, Queen’s Hall, 9.30am-3.30pm

• Sat May 16 - Wellington, TBA, 9.30am-3.30pm

• Sat June 6 - Bishops Lydeard, Church of England Primary School, 9.30am-3.30pm

• Sat June 13 - Galmington, Trident Youth & Community Centre, 9.30am-3.30pm

• Sat June 20 - Halcon, The Link Centre, Taunton, 9.30am-3.30pm

• Sat June 27 - Holway/Blackbrook, Taunton YMCA, Lisieux Way, 9.30am-3.30pm

• Sat July 4 - Priorswood, St Peters Church, Eastwick Road, 9.30am-3.30pm

• Sat Sept 5 - Norton Fitzwarren Village Hall, 9.30am-3.30pm

The online exhibition will be available from June 2015 and the physical exhibition will start on Saturday November 7 with a special opening for the Remembrance Sunday.

For more information visit taunton-ww1.co.uk or contact CICCIC on 01823-337477