A series of powerful contemporary images of The Somme by a photography graduate from The Northern School of Art form part of an ambitious commemoration for the Centenary of the Great War Armistice.

Local photographer Helen Crute is exhibiting current photographs from some of the battlefields and the National Memorial Arboretum, alongside archive photos with a background of recorded words and music in the historic Reading Room in Neasham near Darlington as part of Neasham Remembers from 5 -10 November.

Helen, who graduated last summer from the former Cleveland College of Art and Design with first class honours, has included a range of evocative images taken as part of her photography degree course, one of which was shortlisted for the Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards 2017.

She said: “My final degree project was focused on the importance of memory and remembrance for social cohesion. It was incredibly emotional and I spent half the time in tears. This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to show and share my work.

“I am particularly keen for the younger generation to come and have a look.  It’s important to remember significant events in our history and for our young people to understand how they impact on our lives today.”

Helen is also introducing an Evening of Remembrance on Thursday 8 November at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm) which will be followed by a talk on local WW1 history from Chris Lloyd, Chief Features Writer at the Northern Echo.  The ticketed evening concludes with an Act of Remembrance.

In addition, as part of Neasham Remembers, the village is creating a­ Field of Remembrance on the Village Green.  Poppy crosses and Remembrance tributes may be planted by anyone wishing to remember those who died in WW1, or during subsequent wars.

The tributes are available from the exhibition, the Fox and Hounds pub in the middle of the village, or direct from the British Legion.  Poppy tributes can be planted at any time from 3 November and the Field will be dedicated at a ceremony on the Village Green on Saturday 10 November at 2.00pm.

The Neasham Remembers exhibition runs from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 November at The Reading Room, Sockburn Lane, Neasham, Co. Durham, DL2 1PH. Opening times are 10 – 12 and 1.30 – 4.30 Monday 5 to Friday 9 November and 10 – 12 on Saturday 10 November. Entry is free.

Tickets for the Evening of Remembrance on Thursday 8 November at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm) cost £3.00 can be ordered from NeashamRR@gmail.com

Further information on all of the events is available at www.NeashamRemembers.co.uk