A CREATIVE writing project has been launched by Blackburn Cathedral and Braunschweig Cathedral in Germany to commemorate the start of the First World War.
East Lancashire residents are being called on to pen two pieces to be complied for a book marking the centenary of the beginning of the war.
Blackburn Cathedral has long-standing links to the German Lutheran church in Brunswick near Hanover, with exchange trips being held regularly.
Budding writers have been asked to write a letter to 1914, finding someone from the war that they are interested in, famous or not, and to tell them what their life is like in 2014.
The second piece involves the entrant writing a letter to someone in 2114, outlining their favourite plan, hope or dream to make sure their generation is heard.
Two master copies of the ‘Book of Plans, Hopes and Dreams’ will be kept at both cathedrals as well as other copies being printed for distribution.
All entries must be submitted by midnight on August 14.
The first prize is a free trip to Germany, with the top 50 entries being included in the commemorative book.
Canon chancellor at Blackburn Cathedral, The Revd Canon Dr Ian Stockton, said: “This is a way for us to get commemoration right because it’s not about celebration.
“We have had a long-standing relationship with the cathedral there.
“This book is a chance for remembrance and reflection but also looking forward to future generations.
“Our links with the church in Germany came about in the aftermath of the Second World War and was about reconciliation.
“I hope that a lot of people from East Lancashire take part and are successful.
“It’s a different sort of project than what is already going on during 2014 and hopefully appeals to a lot of people.”
For further details see www.book-of-phd.com or email info@book-of-phd.com