My great-grandfather returned to the Forest in 1916 after his Army service, although he was disabled having developed tuberculosis.

Last Saturday I spent a memorable evening at Whitchurch and Ganarew Memorial Hall, where they were holding a WW1 Remembrance Weekend, commemorating the 22 young men of the community who died in that conflict.

One of the events that took place was a screening of a remarkable short World War One film, based on the true story of Producer Matthew Lightstone's Great Great Uncle; Ralph Howells, from Ruardean, who signed up under aged as a pioneer.

I urge anyone connected with the Forest of Dean to watch this film which can be found on youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmhIIsOOFJA, or google 'Ralph - short ww1 film'. It really captures the hopes and fears of the young forest men who joined up and went to war - never to return.