Essendon 1914: local impact of WWI

For the last few weeks both Jennie and I have been doing lots of reading and researching about the war and how it impacted on the local community. The stories we've uncovered have been fascinating. Volunteer soldiers from this area were involved in some remarkable, often tragic and harrowing, exploits - and we both feel that these are stories of great local relevance that deserve to be better known by the community. This is why we're holding a special event at Sam Merrifield Library, Essendon 1914: local impact of WWI.

This event is happening on Saturday 23rd August from 2pm until 4pm, and will involve special guests Ross McMullin (author of Pompey Elliott and Farewell Dear People) and local historian and life member of the Essendon Historical Society, Lenore Frost (author of Bandsman Vosti and many other titles). Ross and Lenore will join library staff in a discussion about how local people contributed to the Great War, and how this conflict affected the local area. Each of the panellists will also look at the war experiences of a particular individual with a local connection: Ross McMullin will focus on one of Australia's greatest commanders, Pompey Elliott; Lenore Frost will look at Les Vosti a volunteer from Ascot Vale who served as a stretcher bearer and bandsman on the Western Front; and Jennie will focus on Alfred Shurey a Saddler Seargeant who also served on the Western Front.

A small ensemble from Moonee Valley Brass will also perform songs from the era.

This event is free, but bookings are required. Call 8325 1950 or book online.

Pompey Elliott

Les Vosti

Alfred Shurey

Julia

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