The story of Minehead a century ago when West Somerset went to war

LOCAL historian Geoff Lloyd will be giving an illustrated talk on Minehead Families in the First World War at the Church Hall of Avenue Methodist Church, Minehead, on Thursday, March 23 at 7.30 pm. 

 Geoff is well known for his involvement, along with Ian Davidson, in the publication of several books on Minehead, telling the stories of those who went away to fight and those who served in what later became the Red Cross hospital.

 Geoff says: “We quite rightly celebrate the heroism of the men who went away and the devotion of the women who served in what later became Minehead hospital. But what was the impact on those left behind and on the town of Minehead?”

 New research for this illustrated talk gives an insight into the lives of the 230 families of those who served, along with a look at the longer term impact of the war.

 Many of the individual family stories revealed in the research for the books Minehead Sacrifice and Minehead Angels have helped inform this fascinating glimpse into life in Minehead and the longer term social impact of the war.

 Illustrated with pictures, charts and maps, many of which have not been seen before, and based on new research on over 230 Minehead families, the talk is on behalf of Minehead Museum with proceeds going towards the Premises Appeal.

 The museum continues to progress with its plan to secure a larger long term home for the collection of Minehead artefacts, photographs and memories that it houses.

 Chair of Trustees, Julian Luke said; “‘The talk is just one of many ways the museum helps promote the history and culture of Minehead and hopefully will encourage more people to get actively involved with the running of the museum and in our campaign to secure a larger, long term home for the unique collection we are gathering,”

 Tickets for the talk cost £5 (£3 for Friends of the Museum) and can be reserved by contacting the museum at [email protected] or calling 01643 704683.