The 1914 unofficial ‘Christmas Truce’ when British and German soldiers crossed trenches to exchange cigarettes, swap food, sing carols and even play football is one of the most poignant emblems of World War One.

Brian Day from Menheniot in Cornwall would agree with 17^th century poet, Andrew Marvell, that there is little to beat ‘a green thought in a green shade’.

 How well the skilful gardener drew

 Of Flowers and herbs this dial new,

‘So you want to be a rock ‘n’roll star
Then listen now to what I say
Just get an electric guitar
And take some time and learn how to play
And when you hair’s combed right and your pants fit tight
It’s gonna be all right.’

In 1980, Mary Hodges who knew just about everybody in Borrowash and had a longstanding connection with St Stephen’s was asked to organise an exhibition for the centenary of her church.

Thirty four years later, Mary found herself sitting at a table in Gordon Road, helping to plan commemorative activities for another milestone in the history of a village that has been her home for the past 52 years: the outbreak of the First World War.

In the 20^th century, a local post office was a crucial component of village life and during the First World War; women queued at its counter, hoping for news of husbands, brothers or sons at the Front.

Claire Anderson works for Hannell’s Estate Agent as a Sales Negotiator. She admires the ambition of the company and enjoys changing people’s lives by handing over the keys to a new home. It is a job with prospects and she knows that she’s a good prospect too.

In 1942, Tom Matchett started work at ‘Coates the Butcher’ in Borrowash.

He was 15 years old and the Victoria Avenue business was a popular fixture in the village with a growing reputation for service.

William Barron; gardener to the Earls of Harrington, was a nurseryman who designed Elvaston Castle’s distinctive and elegant gardens in the 19^th century.

The fifth Earl, Leicester Stanhope, died in 1862, and Barron then built a business in Borrowash; winning an international reputation for landscape gardening, tree transplantation and Public Park design.

The 1918 Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin resulted in a famous victory for the Allied forces; characterised as much by its strategic importance as the acknowledged gallantry and daring of the troops.

General Henry Rawlinson who commanded the British Fourth Army spoke about the battle in grandiose terms, describing the Australian advances in the five day window of August 31st – September 4^th as the outstanding military achievement of the First World War.