A historic re-enactment will be played out for peace’s sake in Centenary Square, Bradford, on Remembrance Sunday.
People of all ages, nationalities, sexes and physical abilities are being invited to turn up and join in a kick-around football match in the spirit of the game played between the German and Allied troops on the Western Front at Christmas 1914.
The event is being organised by the Bradford Quakers to remember the outbreak of war in 1914 and all those who lost their lives in it.
Dr Christopher Baker, one of the organisers, said instead of the truce football match happening in no-man’s land the game on Sunday, November 10 would be happening in the heart of the city. “Our game is intended to recreate that spirit of friendship. It will be a fun game, open to all, irrespective of age, sex, nationality, or physical ability. Come and join us. During the first World War on Christmas day in 1914 an amazing thing happened.
“There was a truce for just that day. Germans and the British stopped fighting and started singing carols. They came out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy.
“Photographs of families were shown to each other, small gifts were exchanged. Then they played a game of football! Just for that day it was play not war.”
Dr Baker, an elder with Bradford Quakers, came up with the re-enactment idea after a question and answer session at Bradford University's Peace Studies department. He said: “There was discussion about World War I and I said the truce was the one good thing that came out of it and why didn’t we try to recreate that humanitarian spirit!”
Organisers are hoping the first kick of the match will come from the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Khadim Hussain. Kick-off time is 1.30pm, followed by an evening of reflections on war and peace at the Delius Centre in Great Horton Road at 6.30pm with food.
Visitors will be encouraged to sing, read poems or prose and reflect on war and peace with Royal British Legion members.
To find out more either e-mail: christopherbutler1@mac.com or eithne.dodwell@gmail.com.
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