A piece of Westbury’s history has been preserved

A piece of Westbury’s history has been preserved – thanks to Westbury Town Council’s “Westbury Remembers – the chosen and the fallen” project.

A short film, The Everyday Tommy, the life behind the canvas has been commissioned by the Town Council, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and produced by a group of Creative Media and Enterprise students at Bath Spa University.

Based on The Everyday Tommy series of paintings by local artist Helen Chester, the film brings together a series of dramatic First World War images, with personal accounts of the person depicted in these thought-provoking portraits.

The paintings, which have been exhibited in several locations around the country since their unveiling in Westbury last year, feature several local men (and women) who were deeply affected by the horror of World War One and the film captures not only the haunting, lifelike image of the soldier but also the deeply personal memories of some of their family members.

Some of these memories have been handed down through the generations but several, including those of local resident Ivan Clark, are first hand experiences.

Ivan talks about his memories of his “uncle Ed”. His moving story, during which Ivan struggles to hold back the tears, really brings home the terrors felt by those suffering from shell shock, or as we know it today, post-traumatic stress disorder.

After a private viewing for the families featured in the film, it can be seen on a new display screen at Westbury’s Heritage Centre and via a link on the Town Council’s website www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk

For those who want to know more about the part Westbury played during World War one, the Town Council has also produced a leaflet as a guide around places of interest in the town and surrounding areas.

The full colour guide, which includes a map and images both of the period and current day, has again captured a piece of local heritage and history. The leaflet will be available from the Heritage Centre and the Town Council offices from early June.

Councillor David Jenkins, chair of the Great War working group said “The Westbury Remembers project – the chosen and the fallen was been made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players through a £9,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) as well as money raised by Westbury Town Council and Wiltshire Council via the Westbury Area Board. I would like to thank all those who have made and participated in the making of the film and have been involved in project”.

For further information, contact Julie Dyer, Project Co-ordinator, Westbury Town Council on 01373 822232, julie.dyer@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk