Feb 01

Thomas and I

Looking back, it’s now very hard to untangle the hundreds of different trips to the Somme. The first one is easy to remember as is the last. The hundreds in-between, less so. There has, though, always been one single thread in every trip, no matter... read more →
Jan 07

Wenches in Trenches: Memorial seat

Wenches in Trenches are a group of women, from all walks of life, who raise money for military charities by doing a sponsored walk each year, around September time, on the western Front. The Great War saw large number of women serving as nurses or with the VAD (Voluntary Aid... read more →
Oct 09

George Harwood – Eulogy

The eulogy for George Harwood by the Chairman of the Friends of Lochnagar. 9th october 2015 – Whitley Bay. In my experience, there has never been anyone quite like George. I speak as a friend of 40... read more →
Aug 01

Captain John Foley

25th Battalion northumberland Fusiliers (2nd Tyneside Irish) Killed in Action 1 July 1916, aged 29 John Foley was born in 1887 in Ballyhea, Charleville, Cork, Ireland, the son of David and Minnie Foley. When the 1901 census was taken... read more →
Aug 01
Jul 07

Les Disbrey – Eulogy

The eulogy delivered at the funeral of Les Disbrey by the Chairman of the Friends of Lochnagar. 7 July 2015 - Contalmaison Church. This is without doubt one of the hardest things I... read more →
Jul 01
Jun 20

The Wreath Laying Area Appeal

The original wreath laying area around the cross was made in 2004. At the same time the entrance was made more formal with duck boarded tracks leading onto the site. Entrance to the Crater showing the two duckboard tracks, wooden ' knife rests ' and kerb... read more →
Feb 20
Apr 20

The Path around the Crater Appeal

Each year it is estimated that up to 250,000 people will walk around the Crater path. Whilst every visitor is welcome, the damage caused by wear and tear has been enormous. For instance, the chalk path itself has been eroded away at the rate of 6 inches in just 4... read more →