A DOUBLE bill of drama from Keighley writer and director Richard Walsh, based on real-life stories from the First World War, will be performed on Remembrance Day.

Richard, a long-time member of Keighley Playhouse and Bingley Little Theatre, said his poignant and thought-provoking plays aimed to capture the dedication and courage of ordinary people.

He said: “I wanted to show how important our local War Hospital and local people, especially local women, were in the country’s war effort.”

Richard said: “In a ‘Journey from Fiji’, we see the story of one brave young man who came from the other side of the world to fight for his King and Country.

Badly wounded, he was transferred to a War Hospital at Morton Banks, near Keighley. His story is a true record of just one soldier and how the local hospital in Keighley looked after him and many others in their time of need.

“‘Nursed to Death’ recounts the bravery and dedication of one young lady who could have simply stayed at her comfortable home during the war, but like many others, she chose not to do so.

“The Clarkson family lived at West Riddlesden Hall, a 17th century manor house. James Clarkson was a wealthy solicitor and we follow the actual story of Hilda, his eldest daughter.

“Like many ladies of this time, she wanted to change the way women were perceived and treated. Volunteering for nursing duty was her way to have some independence and make her mark in society.”

The plays will be at Bingley Arts Centre’s Studio Upstairs on November 10 and 11 at 7.30pm. Call 01274 567983 to book tickets.