It has been a hectic week or so since the publication of The Greatest Sacrifice – Fallen Heroes of the Northern Union about those professional rugby league players killed in the Great War. It has also been far more tiring and emotionally draining than anticipated. I’m more used to being closeted away in archives or working on my laptop at home ferreting through records and writing research reports with only my trusty four-legged friend to keep me company.
Dealing with media interviews and attending high-profile launch events isn’t normally on my to-do list. So I’ve found it exhausting.
Imperial War Museum North, Poppy Wave – by Jane Roberts
But it was a huge honour and privilege to go to The Imperial War Museum North to attend the unveiling of the England Rugby League commemorative jersey. This shirt will be worn on 11 November 2018 in the Third Test in the series against New Zealand. It will also raise funds for the Royal British Legion as part of their ‘Thank You’ movement, recognising all the First World War generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world, be it those lost their lives, those who returned and those on the Home Front.
More details of the shirt launch, including where to buy one, can be found here. Details of the ‘Thank You‘ campaign are here.
Chris and I with Tom and George Burgess in the England Commemorative Shirt
As part of the launch Jamie Peacock, former England and Great Britain captain, along with Yorkshire-born South Sydney players Tom and George Burgess were presented with copies of our book. The book will also be used to provide context to the England Rugby League team’s visit to the Western Front on 20 October 2018.
Chris presenting Tom and George Burgess with copies of The Greatest Sacrifice
In between there have been media interviews with national and local radio, plus TV and press.
I have copies of The Greatest Sacrifice, which can be signed and dedicated if required. I can also drop off locally around Batley and Dewsbury areas. If so the cost is £13.50. Post within the UK increases the cost to £14.50. Payment can either be via cheque (UK) or bank transfer. My contact email is pasttopresentgenealogy@btinternet.com.
The book is also available from Scratching Shed Publishing at £14.99.
PastToPresentGenealogy 