On the 19^th of October the Forum welcomed its guest speaker Kevin Earl.

Kevin is a member of a local history group based in Knaresborough Library which, four years ago, embarked on research into the effect the First World War had on the town and this research formed the basis for his talk titled Knaresborough in World War One.  The talk was illustrated by cuttings from the local newspapers of that time and pictures and of the town and its inhabitants.

World War One was the first conflict which directly affected all aspects of life in the land.  A large number of men were recruited to fight, firstly by volunteering and later by conscription; the local farmers’ horses were requisitioned; food became short and rationing was introduced; Belgian refugees appeared and women were employed in work previously undertaken only by men.

Kevin related the wartime fate of the Castle Boys School which was eventually taken over by the army and the appearance of Zeppelins over the town (no bombs were dropped).  One man actually lost his life in Knaresborough.  He was David Turnbull whose aeroplane crashed into the Nidd Gorge whilst he was delivering it.

Forum Chairman Mike Earle complimented Kevin on the research carried out by him and his group which had provided a fascinating morning for Forum members.