Melksham Remembers’ WW1 history book a sell-out success!

MELKSHAM Remembers’ new book documenting the history of the town during World War One has proved a huge success – selling out in less than a month!

The local history group’s book follows on from last year’s successful exhibition, which marked 100 years since the end of World War One, providing visitors with a snapshot of what life was like for the people of Melksham and the surrounding area during the war.

From the group, Phil Gaskell said, “The book appears to have been very well received in the community, judging by the number of positive responses. Reviews have included, ‘really pleased with the book, never expected a hardback, so a nice surprise – thank you’  and  ‘what a brilliant publication, thoroughly researched, referenced and well produced’.”

The group plan to produce more copies of the book for purchase, but for those eager to have a read of the book, copies can be found in Melksham Library, the Town Hall, and the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre in Chippenham.

Accepting the Town Hall’s  copy on behalf of the town council, mayor cllr Jon Hubbard said, “This book is fantastic! What’s lovely has been seeing this project, which started two and a half years ago, grow from the concept that Lisa Ellis sold to us all, to this fantastic book that’s here today – it looks tremendous.

“It’s astonishing that a group of volunteers have worked so hard and have produced not only last year’s exhibition, but this book that gives something back to the community, which can be treasured for all time.

“One of the things I admire about the project and the book is that not only does it quite rightly focus on the men who went to war from Melksham and the surrounding area, but it also focusses on those who were at home – and the amazing things that women did, which helped to overcome stereotypes and open people’s eyes to what women can do.

“It also highlights the impact of the war on those people who came home and the impact their return had on the families and the community around them.

“Sometimes history will only focus on certain things – so a book like this, which has a holistic approach, is really valuable.”

To enquire about purchasing a copy of the book, get in touch with the group by email at hello@melkshamremembers.org.uk, by telephone on 01225 685 426, via their website: www.melkshamremembers.org.uk, or their Facebook page – search for ‘Melksham Remembers’. The price is £16 + postage.

Picture: Mayor cllr Jon Hubbard is presented with a copy of the book by Melksham Remembers volunteer, Phil Gaskell.