‘One man’s legacy’: Digital project uncovers rare sound clip for Remembrance Day


As the UK gets ready to mark Remembrance Sunday, a rarely heard sound clip from pioneering war hero Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC,OM,DSO &Two Bars,DFC has been unearthed for the occasion thanks to an exciting digital project. 

Group Captain Leonard Cheshire stood with group

Following essential funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Foyle Foundation, Leonard Cheshire – the leading UK disability charity established by the war hero as part of his vision for a better future for disabled people – has been working on its Resonate project. Over the last year, the project team has been digitising hundreds of historical sound recordings into a free audio collection. 

While the work is still underway, history enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hear an exclusive clip as part of ‘One man’s legacy’, a live, one-off special event to reflect upon the life, work and legacy of Group Captain Leonard Cheshire. The newly uncovered sound clip provides an insight into the impact of World War II and Leonard Cheshire’s valuable work as part of the disability movement in the UK.

Taking place on Wednesday 11 November, Leonard’s biographer, Professor Richard Morris, and Leonard Cheshire’s archivist, Stephanie Nield, will host the exclusive event for Remembrance Day. 

Stephanie commented: "Remembrance Sunday commemorates a time where people were looking to build peace, and our founder Leonard Cheshire was setting his sights on a better future for disabled people.’’

“Thanks to National Lottery players and the Foyle Foundation, we have been able to digitise pieces of history from our archive. It has been made all the more exciting knowing we are the first to listen to some of them for a very long time. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to hear Leonard’s inspiring speeches and get a glimpse into the past that shaped our present – and no doubt our future too.”

Attendees will be one of the first to listen to the rare clip from their front row virtual seat, as Stephanie and Professor Richard reflect upon Leonard’s impact, as well as having the opportunity to ask their questions to the experts.

The charity’s webinar is free to attend.

Media enquiries

For further information please contact Erin O’Reilly via erin.o’reilly@leonardcheshire.org or 020 3242 0342 

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. 

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