A FIRST World War commemoration sports day is being planned for Monday, 24 August at Coalhouse Fort in East Tilbury.
Children and parents will be able to participate in sporting events as written in The Searchlight Magazine – a publication created and printed at Coalhouse Fort during the war.
From football and cricket to tug of war, people are being encouraged to sign up for games that soldiers enjoyed during their breaks and to compete against other visitors.
As well as sporting activities, there will be re-enactment drill sessions; a performance of The Known Soldier; singing from the Great War period by The Golden Voices, and a chance to take part in interactive tours around the Fort.
The event, which is free to enter, runs from 11am until 3pm.
The Sports Day is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Thurrock’s First World War committee.
There will also be exhibitions about sports from the war years by Thurrock Museum and the new Engine Room Caf̩ Рbuilt as part of the Heritage Lottery Funding allocated to the fort Рwill also be opening for the first time, so there will be chances to grab some lunch or enjoy a cup of tea.
Cllr Jane Pothecary, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for communities, said: “Remembering the First World War and those who fought and died on the battlefields is something we should all do.
“But this event gives us many things to enjoy as well as to reflect on, not least the opening of the new café at the fort which itself is one of the gems in Thurrock’s heritage.
“I would urge as many of you as possible to come along, remember the sacrifices made, but also make the most of the fort and its facilities.”
