We are currently in the process of surveying the Athenaeum’s collection of archives and we have found some real treasures. Within Robert Gladstone’s collection we have found a complete series of minute books from the Liverpool Civic Service League. It seems nobody knew we had these lurking in our stacks and we think they could be a fantastic resource for those of you interested in Liverpool throughout WW1. The Civic Service League was a volunteer association that was made up of influential men and women of Liverpool and ran from 1911 – 1921, amongst other things they:
· organised civilian drill classes for those too old to enlist in the army,
· acquired and drove ambulances to transport wounded soldiers,
· collected and sent candles and socks to the men in the trenches,
· recruited and helped with special constables,
· met families off transport ships whose men were fighting, and
· held classes to teach men and women first aid which prepared them to take nursing examinations.
If anyone is interested in seeing the minute books, then get in touch by email at archives@theathenaeum.org.uk. Steph our Archive Assistant is currently researching through the books so check back regularly for an update on her progress.