ITEMS of historic interest from the Cooper Tires site have been saved for the town, following a visit to the factory by the members of Melksham and District Historical Association (MDHA).
They visited the site, along with staff from Wiltshire Museum and Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, on Friday 19th January.
Chair of MDHA, Paul Carter explained, “Large items that needed conserving, high value items and historic documents, were taken for storage and cataloguing by Wiltshire Museum and Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. These items can be loaned to us for display in the future.
“Other items of interest, we have obtained on behalf of the town, including many photographs, which we’ll share over the coming weeks, so local people can help in identifying the individuals and events. We will be having a display and talk later on this year in the Assembly Hall for people who are interested.
“Longer-term, we hope to have a museum for Melksham which these can form part of.”
Last year, the historical association carried out a survey calling for residents to share their views on a museum in Melksham to exhibit items and preserve the town’s history; 92% of residents were in favour of the town having its own museum.
Paul Carter said that other items can be loaned back to the town for future display. He said, “The History Centre took plans for products which are embargoed for display for many years due to industry sensitivity, along with paper records and advertising items and some older photos. Wiltshire Museum took items such as the bonnet mascot sculpture that sits on the front of a Rolls Royce called Spirit of Ecstasy, prototypes of specific tyres, a larger clocking-in machine and some trophies.
“These items can be loaned to us for display in the future. Other items that may be of interest, like another clocking-in machine, we have obtained on behalf of the town.”
A discussion is also due to take place at a town council meeting at the end of February about securing the Cooper Tires War Memorial for the town.
