A FASCINATING history exhibition next month features dozens of previously unidentified war memorials around Bolton honouring the town’s dead in two world wars.

Margaret Koppens from Halliwell Local History Society, plus another volunteer, have been working regularly for the past three years with Julie Lamara at Bolton History Centre on the unusual search.

They have discovered 450 individual memorials – more than 100 more than was originally thought – recording each one, photographing it and putting it on a database with its own Imperial War Museum number.

The memorials were discovered through hours of detective work on old church magazines, church histories, school log books and records of local companies. They vary from an inscription on a hymn board to memorial trophies at sports clubs and inscribed goblets.

“It’s been fascinating,” explained Mrs Koppens. “We found them in all sorts of places and quite often they were very unexpected. Sometimes, like the hymn board, people hadn’t realised that it was a memorial.”

Now, they will feature in the local wartime links highlighted at Halliwell Local History Society’s Local History Fair on Saturday, October 15, to mark the Society’s 30th anniversary.

During their researches, the trio also uncovered information about how all 22 members of a local band – Halliwell Prize Brass Band – went to war in 1914.

Only 20 of the well-known local band, which started life in 1859 as the Jubilee Band and played at the opening of Bolton Town Hall in 1873, returned home. Three of the bandsmen received the Distinguished Service Medal for their wartime bravery. Now, their names are recorded on a Roll of Honour to the band held at Bolton Museum Archives.

The Local History Fair - held at St Luke’s Church in Chorley Old Road from 10am to 4pm – will include displays of old photographs, maps, notices and newspaper cuttings.

Visiting societies there include Bolton Family History, Metal Detectors, Bolton Tram and Bus Society, Horwich Heritage, Turton Local History Society, All Souls Community Centre and WW1 and WW2 Soldiers Research.

There will be second-hand books and photographs on sale along with practical help and advice on research.