WWI

Report on WWI Exhibition

“

It was fantastic, including the tea and cake.”

“A comprehensive and imaginative exhibition.”

“A wonderful exhibition, highlight of a weekend visit to grandparents” (from three 12 – 16 year olds).

“Congratulations to the team for the marvellous WWI Exhibition.”

“Just brilliant.”

These were just some of the lovely comments received from people attending the exhibition. If visitor comments are anything to go by then the World War One exhibition was a roaring success. Word soon spread that it was an exhibition worth coming to see and by Sunday we had people who were staying in the area from as far afield as Kent, the New Forest, Devon and Arizona, making a special visit just for the exhibition, all of them said how brilliant it was and they were so glad they came. We had over 200 visitors during the three days.

We were delighted to welcome the two WWI re-enactors Steve & Tracey Williams from Devizes, who were with us for the Saturday and Sunday. In the Reading Rooms Steve, fully dressed as a WWI soldier, enthralled all the visitors with his information about life in the tranches, the younger visitors loved his stories about ‘poo buckets’ and no adult will ever view a pot of jam in the same way again! His wealth of knowledge was astounding and he managed to talk for the whole time without ever repeating himself. Visitors also had the opportunity to handle all the many pieces of equipment Steve had brought with him, including large machine guns, hand grenades, and assorted head gear. Over in St James Church, as well as all the lovely coffee and cake which were a great hit with the visitors, we were lucky to have Tracey, Steve’s wife, who is also the great, great granddaughter of Emily Davison who was killed at the 1913 Epsom Derby when she ran in front of the King’s horse. Tracey was in full Suffragette costume and had many suffragette artefacts with her, passed down through the family. She happily chatted to all the visitors about the life and experiences as a suffragette.

Adding to the overall effect was our recruiting desk, where you could check if you were tall enough to enlist and strong enough to lift a kit bag. There was also an original officer’s quarters with army bed, uniform and all his typical equipment.

However, an event like this does not just happen by chance, it is the culmination of many months of intense research, hard work and collaboration. A big “thank you” must go to the WWI Exhibition team of Jill Cocking, Henry Cole, Peggy Fifield, Jennifer Harrisson, and Michael McAvoy, who have spent several years attending meetings, planning and preparing the exhibition; and late comers to the team of Daniela & Martin Garrett, without all their hard work and contributions there would not have been an exhibition. Also a special mention of Unity Dale, Ellie Payne and their team who added their artistic skills to bring the written word to life and enhance the overall feel of the exhibition. Thank you and congratulations to all for a wonderful three days.

Report by:

Pamela Phillips

Co-ordinator of the WWI Exhibition