Tea in tin mugs, hardtack biscuits and a replica WW1 trench manned by soldiers, will form just part of an atmospheric event, when Westbury kicks off its commemoration of the Great War.
The special event which takes place in Soisy Gardens next to the library on Saturday 2nd August, from 10.00am, will be just the start of a programme of talks, exhibitions and services that will help local people pay tribute to the people who died in the conflict.
A range of local organisations and individuals have been giving their time, ideas and memories to help the town remember.
Lt Col Andrew Field (retired) who will be donning WW1 uniform to man the trench, has been meeting relatives of local men who served. Some of their precious artefacts from photographs to medals will form a centrepiece of a special window display at the town’s heritage centre.
Andrew said, “Behind every name on our war memorial is a personal story and we have tried to reflect that – for example one Westbury man died in battle just four days into the war. I have been so privileged to meet with four local families who have shared their stories and have kindly agreed to allow me to talk about them and the many other local men who gave their lives.”
For those who literally want a taste of the times, the WI and British Legion will be on hand in a makeshift NAAFI serving up the sort of food soldiers might have enjoyed – from cake made from an authentic WW1 recipe to bully beef and hardtack biscuits.
The centenary event is just the first of many ways in which the town will remember. Both war memorials are to be restored and marked with special services, while people who want to know more about how the town was affected by the war can enjoy an evening of specialist talks by Andrew Field and Liz Argent of the Westbury Heritage Society. The event will take place at the Laverton on 8th August.
Wiltshire councillor and Westbury town councillor David Jenkins, who has chaired the Great War commemoration group, is delighted with the support and commitment shown by the community. He said, “It is so important for our community to commemorate this most significant event. Our programme of events will ensure people of all ages will find something of interest to help them remember.”
On Sunday 3rd August there will be a service in All Saints Church followed by the rededication of the memorial in the grounds of the church.
On Monday 4th August there will be a lights out and lighting of candles between 10.00pm-11.00pm at The Jubilee Hall in Bratton. If you would like more details about this call Ian on 01380 830505.
A range of community groups have been working together on the projects, including Westbury Town Council and Westbury Area Board, the Royal British Legion, Westbury Heritage Society, the Music and Arts festival and the library.
Memorial unveiled
A World War One memorial by year 6 pupils at Dilton Marsh Primary School has been unveiled by cllr Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council.
The piece, unveiled on Thursday 24th July, is entitled ‘Poppies’ and includes 30 tiles of the flower created by the oak class 2013-14 and a plaque with the 64 names of those who came from the village and died in the Great War.
Cllr Jane Scott said, “It is lovely that each year 6 that leaves the school leaves something behind and this time the commemoration is very poignant.”
Year 6 teacher Nina Stiddard said, “To the children, a hundred years seems like a long time, but some surnames match people they know from the village, which gives it a local connection.”
Headteacher Judith Finney said, “The year 6 children have also made crosses to be taken to the county-wide World War One commemoration at Tidworth Military Cemetery this month. They wrote individual messages to the soldiers so it makes it very personal.
“We will also have a service in November in our Garden of Remembrance and poppy poems to mark the anniversary.”
Pictured: Dilton Marsh Primary School headteacher Judith Finney, cllr Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, and year 6 teacher Nina Stiddard.
