Why Were Some #Lancashire #Villages More #Thankful After #WW1 Than Others? - Interview With Gerry Lees (2014)

Listen here to the extraordinary stories of three North Lancashire villages who all endured very different experiences after World War One.

The villages of Nether Kellet and Arkholme have become known as "Thankful" villages as all 79 soldiers who were sent to the First World War returned home safely.

In the case of Nether Kellet, the residents are "Doubly Thankful" as all their soldiers returned to the village after serving in World War Two.

However, just several miles away from Arkholme and Nether Kellet, Over Kellet endured a very different experience as they lost 10 people during World War One.

In Over Kellet, a war memorial is placed in the heart of the village, whereas scrolls of honour are displayed in churches in Nether Kellet and Arkholme to commemorate those who returned safely.

This great paradox between Nether Kellet and Arkholme compared with Over Kellet has been explored by former teacher and author Gerry Lees.

In his book, "Thankful and Not So Thankful," Mr Lees looks at the individual stories of bravery and courage among the 79 soldiers who returned to the two "Thankful" villages and the heartbreaking tales of those from Over Kellet who were not as fortunate.

The Bay's Amy Scarisbrick went along with Gerry Lees to Nether Kellet, Over Kellet and Arkholme to see how life was affected and how a "guilt complex" developed in the villages who were fortunate enough to have all their men return home. Audio is property of The Bay/CN Group and has been uploaded for portfolio purposes.