To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset has created a new temporary exhibition ‘Wimborne at War’.
The exhibition captures the spirit of resilience and determination of the nation during the Second World War. Discover more about war efforts like Dig for Victory and Make Do and Mend as people were encouraged to grow more of their own food and repair clothing with supplies still rationed long after the war was over.
The displays also include the military history of the museum’s founder Hilda Coles who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Hilda was posted to Scotland and assigned to working in motor transport. Her service was recognised with commendations and mentions in dispatches.
There are some remarkable photographs of the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) unit and Wimborne’s Home Guard. The photographs also tell the story of how Wimborne adopted its own naval warship, HMS Challenger, in 1941, marked by a parade through the town.
War memorabilia such as the Defence Medal, awarded for non-operational service, war propaganda literature, and gas masks including a Mickey Mouse gas mask for babies and toddlers can also be viewed.
Museum director Francesca Hollow said: “Our new exhibition is a tribute to the triumph and sacrifice of so many men and women from our town who played a crucial role in the war effort. It’s a fitting way for us to honour this special VE Day anniversary and we hope people will come to the museum to learn and take time to reflect.”
The temporary exhibition is situated in the Voices Gallery in the Museum of East Dorset and can be viewed until late August. Admission to the exhibition is free with normal museum entry. Children up to the age of four years are eligible for free admission. Children 5 to 16 years £5.50 and adults £12 each. Family admission tickets are also available. And don’t forget the amazing offer that with one admission price you get 12 month’s free entry to Wimborne’s award-winning museum.