Historical and creative outcomes...

After spending hours in the archive, online and at the writing desk, Women's Health in South Tyneside used the opportunity of its Annual General Meeting (9 September 2016) to showcase the research and creative writing its First World War History group had undertaken.

Gramophone with part of history research display in background.

As well as a display of the historical documents and research that the group had undertaken, the group created a soundscape to accompany the exhibition.  Jude Murphy's song "The Munition Lass's Lament" was interspersed with creative writing which had been overseen by Tracy Gillman (see sidebar).  By following the link below you can hear the recording of the group's singing, poetry, drama and prose:

Munition Lass's Lament

In addition, the photographs collected by the group (some of the group at work and some of First World War women) were used to stunning effect.  A woman photo-sculpture was created as a memorial to the women who lived and worked in South Tyneside during the First World War (and today).

Some of the research from the WHiST History Group has been uploaded to the Durham at War website.  Keep your eye out for more stories on the site:


Elizabeth McQuillan - munitionette footballer:
http://www.durhamatwar.org.uk/story/12759/

Mary Lyons - munitionette footballer:
http://www.durhamatwar.org.uk/story/12720/
A newspaper report of one of the matches that she played in:
http://www.durhamatwar.org.uk/material/613/

Isabella Shearer Walker - Commandant of Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital in Hebburn:
http://www.durhamatwar.org.uk/story/12765/
(and her husband):
http://www.durhamatwar.org.uk/story/12766/

Lorna Chittleburgh - nursing sister at Jarrow Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital:
http://www.durhamatwar.org.uk/story/12762/