A PEOPLE’s Lottery-funded local research group is to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War with a major new exhibition in July.

The Upper Wharfedale Arts and Literature Society (UWALS) is hosting the Upper Wharfedale 1918 exhibition in Grassington Town Hall on Saturday, July 14, and Sunday, July 15, from 10am until 4pm each day.

The exhibition reveals a fascinating and sometimes surprising picture of how life in the Dale was lived during the war years, and how the community responded to the world-shaking events on the continent.

The event has been 12 months in the planning, during which time 15 UWALS members have each been exploring aspects of life in Wharfedale during the war.

To prepare for the exhibition, UWALS researchers have been trawling a wide variety of local, national and even international archive sources, with each contributing member exploring specific themes such as the surprising story of the doctor, local recipes and early tourism.

As well as securing sponsorship from the People’s Lottery, the event has been supported by a range of organisations including the Imperial War Museum North and the British Legion.

Apart from photographic and documentary material, the exhibition features artefacts, craft demonstrations as well as music and drama performances, including an appearance by local singer Patrice Lyth.

An archivist from the North Yorkshire Library in Northallerton will be on hand on the Saturday, July 14, with a pop-up archive.

There will also be the opportunity for visitors to experience a Labyrinth of Reflection.

The exhibition runs for two days on Saturday, July 14, and Sunday, July 15.

Entry is free and refreshments will be served.