St Peter’s War Memorial was recently featured in new online video created by Historic England to give advice to professionals about the conservation and repair of war memorials. St Peter’s War Memorial was rededicated on Sunday 17th June following this work. For more information please see the press release and images from the ceremony.
Exhibition 10 July – 15 December 2018 at the Holst Birthplace Museum, Clarence Road
An exhibition exploring how Holst taught music to soldiers in Salonika and Constantinople during WW1. The story will be told through letters, diaries, photographs and archive film, as well as a reconstruction of Holst’s own room in the Salonika YMCA. Pop into the YMCA hut in the Holst Learning Space for children’s activities throughout the exhibition.
Marking the 100 years since the end of World War One, residents and visitors will see ‘Listening Stations’ popping up around the town as part of the Cheltenham Remembers project. https://thelisteningstationcheltenham.tumblr.com.
A year-long arts programme of community engagement is focusing on the significance of World War One. As part of this the ‘Listening Stations’ are being created throughout June and July and are situated at locations including The Wilson, Leisure Centre, Cheltenham Library, The Town Hall and Hester’s Way Community Centre.
Continue reading “Leave your thoughts at the ‘Listening Stations’”
These photos were taken at the re-dedication ceremony for St Peter’s war memorial, following resent repair and conservation work. During the ceremony music by local composer local Gustav Holst was performed by Gardeners Lane School and the Big Local Gas Green choir in partnership with the Holst Birthplace Museum. Crosses with poppies were planted and there were also displays and images of some of the soldiers who are listed on the memorial.
If you missed out on visiting the exhibition at the Jet Age Museum (created by the RAF Association for Cheltenham Remembers), you can still watch this video which gives an overview of the story behind the formation of the RAF in 1918 and the development of the local aviation industry in Cheltenham during the First World War.
With thanks to Air Vice Marshal Tony Mason CB. CBE. DL of the Cheltenham branch of the RAF Association.
A Celebration of Remembrance featuring the massed bands of Brighouse & Rastrick and Flowers
Cheltenham Town Hall 3rd November 2018
This year sees the return of Cheltenham’s official World War I memorial painting by Fred Roe RI to The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum. This offers the first opportunity to see the painting in Cheltenham for many decades. The artwork features five Cheltenham men and is accompanied by a display and booklet telling the story behind the painting. This project was initiated and created by Neela Mann (pictured) of the Cheltenham Local History Society in partnership with the Wilson and forms part of a wider exhibition at the Wilson, entitled ‘At Last Fighting is Over’; The end of the First World War on the Front and in Cheltenham.
Continue reading “Cheltenham’s ‘Forgotten’ War Memorial Painitng”
The Battle of Jutland started 31 May 1916 and ended on 1 June 1916. It’s considered to be the only major naval battle of World War 1. The British Navy lost more men and ships, but the verdict was that the German Navy lost and was never in a position again to put to sea during the war.
6,094 British men were lost, including 12 Cheltonians who were on board HMS Lion, HMS Indefatigable (pictured), HMS Fortune, HMS Queen Mary, HMS Defense and HMS Invincible.
Prestbury Village Fayre took place on Saturday 16th June. As well as the fun traditional activities and stalls in the Burgage and Scout Field their were also poignant reminders of the impact the First World War had on the local community. The Mayor of Cheltenham observed as the last post was played in the Burgage and a standard was lowered. There was also an exhibition, floral arrangement and slideshow at St Mary’s Church telling the story of Prestbury during and after the war and remembering the sacrifices made by the whole community.
Visit our Band of Brothers page to view the original Cheltenham Roll of Honour from 1921. You can also view images of each panel to read the names of servicemen and women (including 6 additional names added in 2016 during recent conservation and repair work).