A COMMEMORATIVE booklet, marking 70 years since the vacation of the village of Imber, will shortly be available.
It has been collated in conjunction with a 70th anniversary service at Edington Priory Church, which will be held on Saturday 5th October, as part of the Westbury Music and Arts Festival. In 1943 the people of Imber were asked by the Ministry of Defence to vacate the village, so that American troops could practise for the D-Day landings. They were told that they could return at some stage, but this has never happened.
Roy Inwood, who has been working on the commemorative booklet explains, “There’s a foreword from Andrew Murrison (MP), and it contains the history of Imber, the church, and the story of one of the girls who used to live in Imber in the 20s and 30s until she had to leave.
“It’s got photos of Imber, and the order of service for Saturday 5th October. We’re not charging to get into the church on this day, so the booklet will be £4 as we want to raise some money for the church organ fund and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. They are the chosen charity of Bratton Silver Band, who will be playing on the day.”
At the service, there will be songs and hymns by Edington choir, Phoenix Consort choir, Westbury Choral Society and, of course, the congregation accompanied by the Bratton Silver Band.
BBC Wiltshire will record the service for radio transmission.
Entry will be by ticket only – these are free but must be obtained in advance. For more information about the service visit www.wmafestival. co.uk
