A COMMEMORATION in Word and Song, of the people of Crediton during the Great War from 1914 to 18, is being staged by CODS, Crediton Operatic and Dramatic Society, on Thursday, October 31, Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2.

The production is entitled “The Men Who Marched Away” and it will mark the 110th anniversary of World War One.

The story is set in Crediton, or Kirton to use its old name.

An image from a previous production.
An image from a previous production. (CODS)

Many local families had members who went to the front to fight in the trenches and the people left behind could only imagine what they were enduring, but they got on with their lives as best as they could.

Sadly many of those who went did not return and gave their lives for their country.

This production grew out of a desire to commemorate the ending of the First World War.

Director Paul Walker, explained that it was in 2014 that he saw a production of “The War To End All Wars”, presented by the Pennymoor Singaround, a group of folk singers putting together a series of songs about the First World War as a tribute to the Devonshire Regiment.

He continued that he also wrote the stage version and said: “I wanted to create a Drama using word and song which would celebrate the contribution made by the people of Crediton and surrounding villages.

“I saw a display in Crediton Museum which related the history of the Setter Family.

“Out of this the story loosely revolved around Harriet Setter who sent nine sons off to war, all returned home but unfortunately one died of wounds received in 1919.

“Another principal character was a District Nurse called Edith Appleton who wrote a series of diaries from the front line. Edith was in Crediton at the start of the war and departed from there to the Western Front.

“I contacted all the writers of the songs and the relatives of Edith Appleton for permission to use their material, which they gratefully agreed.

“I was also extremely grateful to the research carried out by Leala Watson and John Heal.”

Paul explained that the first production took place during Credfest 2019 in Crediton Parish Church.

“The Men Who Marched Away”, Kirton 1914 - 1918, will be staged at Queen Elizabeth’s School Western Road campus hall (EX17 3LU) with doors open from 7pm for curtain up at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £12.50 with concessions £10.

Tickets are available from: www.CODSONLINE.COM  or the Box Office telephone line 07395 416063.

Musical director is Allan Fouracre and those attending are advised that flashing lights, images and loud noises are part of the production.

CODS is supported by Devon County Council and Crediton Town Council.