A MAJOR exhibition on the First World War is to examine the conflict’s impact on the people of the Levern Valley area.

The project, planned for October, is being organised by the Neilston War Memorial Association (NWMA), which is keen to hear from anyone who has old photos, letters or other artefacts that will help tell the story of how the community coped during this turbulent time.

Also being sought are stories of family members who lived through the Great War.

In particular, the NWMA is asking for information about six men whose names adorn local war memorials – Philip Smyth, John McKenna, Thomas G Barron, Matthew McLean, Isaiah Davidson and Alexander Hay.

Matthew Drennan, of NWMA, said: “We are looking to put on a large exhibition to commemorate the 100-year anniversary.

“We aim to take our research out to the community to bring the soldiers’ history back into current discussion.

“We are looking to put on guest speakers, visit most churches and provide detail about who is recorded on each local memorial to make them more than mere names on a wall.

“We hope that local people will come forward to add to the local WW1 story, to help augment and preserve their legacy for future generations.”

If you can help, contact Matthew on the NWMA Facebook page or call the Barrhead News on 0141 435 8827.