THE new year is a time when people often look to the future but, for millions, 2014 will be a time when people reflect on a key part of our recent history.

This year marks 100 years since the First World War began and events are being planned across the UK in the coming 12 months to commemorate the centenary.

Locally the Dymock 1914 Commemoration Group has been set-up to organise events in the village, near Ledbury.

Among the highlights will be a centenary concert called Before Action at St Mary’s Church in Dymock on Saturday, March 22 at 7.30pm.

‘1914 Remembered’ will also be held over the weekend of July and 13.

An exhibition in the church will feature life in Dymock before the Great War, as well as looking at the village’s men and boys who went to war and whose names are remembered on Dymock’s war memorial.

The summer programme will include a joint presentation with the Ledbury Poetry Festival and many free events in St Mary’s Church.

As 1914 marked the coming together of the Dymock Poets group, there will be a special focus on their work and the impact the Great War had on the group.

Tickets for the St Mary’s Church concert on March 22 cost £8 and are available by calling 01531 890259 or 01531 890676.