Following the creation of the Maghull Town Council Heritage subgroup, comprising of a wonderful group of community experts (pictured), in 2017, our endeavours resulted in the unveiling the ‘Compassion in Conflict statue at Maghull North train station, (part of the former site of Moss Side Hospital now Poppy Fields housing estate) on the 7 December 2018. The date coincided with the first admission of a shellshock patient in the centenary anniversary of armistice. Moss Side Hospital was the first hospital to recognise and provide pioneering treatment for the ‘shell shocked’ ordinary soldier when previously many were shot for cowardice, despite many demonstrating previous acts of bravery. We now refer to this condition is post-traumatic stress disorder although there were some symptom differences. The attached/linked BBC Look North news video provides an introduction to the project and unveiling

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2608718776105638&id=100009026240824&notif_id=1600295391332857&notif_t=video_processed&ref=notif

The statue represents the first public art in Maghull but there are two more aspects to the project which include, (1) an educational component and (2) further harmonisation of the statue into its environment.

The environmental harmonisation involves an amazing artistic backdrop to the statue and landscaping. Whilst the educational component was going to include an augmented reality triggered by subtle nuances/tags inserted by the famous sculptor – Andy Edwards. Unfortunately, this became too expensive and we are now exploring an equally exciting cost-effective possibility of using the following media resources in collaboration with the first of several local schools to integrate it into their history curriculum and provide site visits.

There are many available resources we hope to utilise including for example (1) a brilliant audio-visual media creation highlighting Moss Side Hospital and Shellshock commissioned for armistice by the Atkinson in Southport, which they have kindly offered to Maghull, and (2) a transcript by Rob Wanting (the statue model, actor, WW1 expert, IT Consultant) that his friend has professionally narrated in the fascinating 57 minute soundtrack, available at https://m.soundcloud.com/user-847480131/compassion-in-conflict

We would like to encourage you to listen to the narration as it provides a fascinating introduction to every nuance of the statue, providing a multitude of stories that the casual observer of the statue would never know. Why is there a coin in the statue’s hand? What does SB mean and why could he be shot in ‘no man’s land’? Why is there a rabbit’s foot print, horses reigns, a whistle, the fuse of a shell in the mud? And many more. I believe it provides and inviting and interesting portrait that underlines the artistic and historical significance, whilst complementing the script on the plinth. The author and ourselves would be really interested in your feedback about the narration, prior to further work with the schools following their return in the new term.

Finally, any work of art is open to interpretation and although we wanted it to represent many things to many people, we wanted it to represent the celebration of the unique pioneering historical and current treatment of shellshock and PTSD for and by, so many people. Whilst also sending a message for peace and a reminder to be kind and supportive to each other.