RELATIVES of local men named on Bridport’s war memorial came together for a special First World War commemoration.

Organised by Bridport Town Council and Bridport Heritage Forum, the event saw dozens of families related to men from Bridport who fought in the war share memories and enjoy an afternoon tea.

Bridport Town Council was successful in bidding for part of a grant offered by the chairman of West Dorset District Council, inviting town and parish councils to support projects and events to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Councillor Anne Rickard, who helped organise the event, said: “The idea of hosting a commemorative WW1 afternoon tea started as a fairly simple idea and then blossomed into the lovely and poignant event we experienced on Sunday afternoon.

“We decided to purchase a clock and have a locally made and written commemorative plaque made for the town hall and to invite up to 100 people to join us for a special commemorative afternoon tea.

“Thanks to the extensive research done by Sheila Meaney into the local personnel lost in WW1, and Linda Bullock’s local knowledge, they were able to draw up a 90-strong list of relatives of the servicemen listed on Bridport’s war memorial.

“All were invited, although not all were able to attend, but some came from quite a distance as, of course, some families have moved away over time.”

Guests were entertained by Chris Deacon and Jess of Elfintale and enjoyed poetry and readings from Linda and Sheila and a song from Anne Rickard.

The plaque was unveiled by the youngest person at the event, Joseph Keatley, who was with his family commemorating the life of William Gape.