Westbury residents are being asked to share their wartime memories and contribute to preserving the town’s history.
Local historians David Jenkins and Julie Davis will host a special event on 7th September aimed at collecting stories, photographs, postcards, and any other memorabilia related to Westbury during the war years.
Attendees are encouraged to bring any wartime items they may have, no matter how small, to help piece together the town’s past. Of particular interest would be any memories or memorabilia associated to when the Allied Forces and Prisoner of War camps were in Westbury
In addition to sharing memories, guests will have the opportunity to view a display of photographs from the era. Tea and coffee will be provided, making it a comfortable setting for reminiscing and storytelling.
“We are eager to collect as much information as possible to ensure these stories are written about and recorded as part of our local history,” said David Jenkins. “It’s important that we preserve these memories for future generations.”
Anyone with information or artefacts is encouraged to attend. The event runs from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at The Methodist Church on Station Road. For those who cannot make it but still wish to contribute, David and Julie are available via email at davidjenkins53@hotmail.com, and julie.davis@wiltshire.gov.uk.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to help document and preserve Westbury’s wartime history for future generations,” added David.
The Americans based at the G-47 Depot, now the West Wilts Trading Estate produced their own newspaper called the ‘Jericho Trumpet’. The photo above is of a front page. Photo courtesy of Adam Surrey.
