ANYONE with memories of wartime West Somerset is invited to share their experiences as part of a spectacular 1940s weekend.
It will centre around Minehead, Watchet and the West Somerset Railway on September 15-16.
To help re-create the ‘Dad’s Army’ decade of 70 years ago, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors, the organisers are appealing to residents to write down their own wartime stories as part of a special exhibition at Watchet Boat Museum.
The weekend event will include every aspect of the area’s wartime and austerity years with dramatic re-creations of air-raids, field hospitals, an RAF airfield, military garrisons and an operational military train. Over 400 re-enactment groups have already applied to participate.
“It’s important that we record personal experiences of West Somerset in wartime before they are lost for ever,” said John Eastaugh, Boat Museum chairman, who is organising the exhibition.
“I have been told many times by people who have lived through the war that they have not written down what happened to them ’because the family don’t want to know’.
“It would be a tragedy if all this invaluable local history was lost and the ’40s weekend exhibition is the perfect opportunity for these stories to be told and shared.
“We want to hear the memories, stories of the home front, from servicemen and women, railwaymen, the Home Guard, Civil Defence, the AFS – it all needs recording.
“We appreciate that many people may find it difficult to talk, especially veterans, but please don’t let that deter anyone. Write your stories down, giving your contact details.”
Wartime reminiscences can be sent to Watchet Boat Museum, Harbour Road, Watchet, TA23 OAQ or phone 01984 632101. Further information can be found on Facebook – WSR 40s Weekend 2018.