Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is organising a First World War commemorative event to take place in Masham and Fearby on Saturday 20 September 2014.

The event will follow the progress of a troop of walkers who have signed up to follow the route the ‘Leeds Pals’ Battalion took when they arrived in Masham and marched six miles to their training camp in Colsterdale on the 25 September 1914.

The Leeds Pals, (formal title: the 15th (Service) Battalion (1st Leeds) the Prince of Wales Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)) were a group of around 900 men from Leeds who enlisted together, at the very beginning of the Great War, in response to the national call to arms.

The walking troop will include representatives from the military as well as interested members of the public who wanted to walk as an act of remembrance.

Christian Creaby, of Masham-based Peak Military Fitness, has organised a group of men who will carry 80 pound packs for the duration of the walk, to fundraise for the British Legion. He said: "We have signed up to walk in this event in remembrance of the Leeds Pals, who forged a connection with this area through their months training here. In addition to watching the walking troop go by, there will be lots for the public to see and do throughout the day, so please come and support us at one of the venues we’ll be passing through, at Masham or Fearby."

The event will begin at Masham Old Station for a short ceremony and plaque unveiling in memory of the Pal’s arrival by train from Leeds at the former station. The public are welcome and parking and refreshments will be provided.

There will also be a chance to see the walking group at Masham Market Place at 11am, where they will be accompanied by a brass band. At Masham Town Hall, event attendees will be able to see a free public display about Nidderdale AONB’s First World War and Masham’s local history throughout the day.

In the village of Fearby there will be living history displays on the green and more exhibitions, child-friendly activities, music and refreshments in the village hall throughout the afternoon. A free shuttlebus service from Fearby will enable the public to visit Breary Banks in Colsterdale for a service of commemoration to the Pals at 3:30pm, following the arrival of the group who have walked from Masham. Visitors will also be returned to Fearby or Masham following the event.

Further information
Amanda Walters, Nidderdale First World War Project Officer on tel: 01423 551 664 or email: amanda.walters@harrogate.gov.uk.