The News
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Nirbheek, a Hindi word for "Fearless", was released this month by the Indian Ordnance Factory. It is a lightweight copy of an old Webley Mk IV, designed to be used by women. Lightweight probably means titanium, and the little revolver is chambered for the .32 long and short cartridges. Most military handgun cartridges are illegal in India, though that is being relaxed in area's that have higher terrorist threats. There is also an added safety, the earlier Webley revolver did not have. The Ordnance Factories are India's Military Industrial Complex and were formed as early as the 1700's when the Brits ruled the roost.
The recent gang rapes in India prompted the manufacture of this gun. India has a lot of guns, probably over 40 million already, most of which are not registered. It's hard to say it this gun will have any effect, as a women convicted of killing someone with it is liable to get life, rape or no rape. The Nirbheek is expected to bring $2000. US.
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Volunteer Opportunity – First World War Project
GM 1914, Manchester's WW1 History website
What would I be doing?
The people of Greater Manchester were involved in the First World War at home and in combat. The war had profound effects on families, working lives, medicine and on democratic rights.
You would be supporting the archives service by bringing these war and home front stories to life by:-
• Researching archive and local studies collections
• Digitising archive and local studies collections
• Transcribing archive and local studies collections
• Blogging about your work
• Giving support for promotional events and exhibitions
• Providing specialist expertise or knowledge on a particular project
(Placements may include one or more of these tasks, which will be agreed prior to the placement)
When can I do my Archive volunteering?
Volunteering opportunities are mostly during office hours: Mon-Fri 9-5.
There may also be opportunities to volunteer from home, usually on projects which involve word processing, transcribing or indexing.
Where will I be volunteering?
Volunteering opportunities are available at archives and local studies departments across Greater Manchester. Please contact Nicky Crewe on 0161 832 5284 or email
Who will be there with me?
Archives and library staff at Greater Manchester archives and local studies departments. Other archives volunteers
Support and review
Regular support and guidance will be given by a named contact. There will be a 4 week trial period to ensure that all is going well – another volunteer opportunity may be suggested if the trial period has shown that this would be better for both parties
Training, resources and information
A full induction will be given, and further training offered where appropriate in blogging, digitising, social media and image software.
This opportunity would suit someone who has some of these skills:
• Good communication skills and enthusiasm
• An understanding of ICT and the ability to assist others in the use of ICT
• A passion for history / genealogy / the First World War
• An attention for detail
• Works well with others
• Able to carry archives for short durations and distances
• Willingness to adhere to security and preservation guidelines
What will I get from volunteering? Some of the benefits are:
• Gaining experience of working with, researching and digitising archives
• Gaining interpretation skills in reporting on your work
• Opportunity to increase self-confidence
• Valuable training and experience in social media, digital images and blogging that can be included in CVs and job applications
• Satisfaction from helping people to discover and enjoy archives
If you are interested in getting involved please contact:
Greater Manchester County Record Office : Nicky Crewe,
or contact your local archive:
Bolton: Julie Lamara,
Bury: Gill Paxton,
Oldham: Joanne Robson,
Rochdale: Julian Jefferson,
Salford: Duncan McCormick,
Stockport: Margaret Myerscough,
Tameside: Larysa Bolton,
Trafford: Karen Cliff,
Wigan: Alex Miller,
