Exploring the history of the Avon was the theme of the Melksham and District Historical Association’s recent talk.
It was the first talk of the autumn season and was attended by over 200 visitors who listened to the association’s chair, Paul Carter, run through a brief history of the site from 1895 to 1960s.
“Paul Pearce, Kevin Whatley and Dave Dwyer then took over to recount their over 90 years’ experience in beading tyres, racing on the tyres and keeping the factory running,” explained Paul.
“Digitised footage of Prince Philip’s flying visit in 1961 was shown and many items from the association’s archive were on display to pique people’s interest and memories. Wiltshire Museum were also in attendance to take advantage of former employees’ knowledge of their ‘box of artefacts’ with most, if not all, identified We also learnt how to get rid of the smell of dead rats! Several donations were gratefully received and many former colleagues were reacquainted in what was a hugely successful and enjoyable evening. Our only apology, apart from not setting out enough chairs, was that more areas of the factory couldn’t be covered; perhaps we should do it again. Thank you to everyone who turned out to support our event and for coming from far and wide to catch up with old workmates. Thanks also to the Melksham Assembly Hall staff, who don’t usually have to work quite so hard at our events.”
The group’s final talk of the year before the Annual General Meeting in November will take place on Thursday 17th October. Gervase O’Donohoe will present Atworth – The Romans to the 3rd Millennium. Visitors are welcome to attend for £3.
The full year’s programme is available at: http://www.melkshamhistoricalassociation.org
Pictured: a packed Assembly Hall. Credit Linda De Santiz
