Woodbine Willie exhibition visits The Hive
3rd August 2017
The Woodbine Willie exhibition at The Hive depicts the life of The Reverend Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy, who was the vicar at St Paul’s in Worcester city centre when war broke out in 1914, the exhibition will run until 27 August 2017.
Revered Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy volunteered to become an Army chaplain, and served on the Western Front. The troops in the trenches called him 'Woodbine Willie' because he used to hand out cigarettes to the soldiers. He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery during the Battle of Messines Ridge. He wrote poems about his experiences on the Western Front, reflecting on the horrors of war in the light of his Christian beliefs.
Whilst at The Hive pick up the Woodbine Willie Trail which celebrates his life and his ability to connect with British Soldiers as they faced the battlefield. As soldiers left for the front Studdert Kennedy would offer them cigarettes and a bible.
The Trail, researched and compiled by Worcestershire World War One Hundred Volunteers Cathy Broad and Vanessa Haddleton, takes in 15 locations across Worcester, starting at The Guildhall taking in Worcester Cathedral, his statue in the Cornmarket, the Studdert Kennedy family home and his final resting place at St John’s Cemetery.
There will be leaflets in the atrium at The Hive to pick up for FREE or you can download a copy here.
