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.
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.
Read about some of the men listed on the Prestbury war memorial in this free Memorial Trail eBook by Rebecca Sillence. Prestbury lost more than 40 men during the First World War and many of them lived or worked in the Cheltenham area. This booklet guides you on a loop of the village where you will pass many of the houses where servicemen and their families lived. You can also read about life in the village for those left behind and the Racecourse VAD Hospital. Prestbury Remembers WW1
During the First World War Colonel and Mrs Elwes, who owned Leckhampton Court, placed it at the disposal of the British Red Cross to use as a hospital for sick and wounded soldiers. It opened in February 1915 and closed four years later. It was staffed by members of the Gloucestershire Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) No 42, which had been formed as early as 1910, anticipating that there would soon be a need for its services. Click to read an excerpt about Leckhampton VAD Hospital from the book Leckhampton Court – Manor House to Hospice by Eric Miller (Troubador Publishing, 2011).