2005 marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. To honour the occasion, Mumbles Development Trust in partnership with Oystermouth Historical Association, is planning a programme of events. It will include an exhibition entitled 'Mumbles At War - At Home And Away ', which will be presented at the Ty Hanes Local History Centre, in Dunns Lane, Mumbles, Swansea (opposite Oystermouth Library) and will be open every day between 10 am & 4 pm., except Tuesdays and Sundays, by the end of April.
There will be a series of displays featuring various aspects of the effect of the Second World War on the local community, which include the Blitz on Swansea, rationing, recipes, 'make-do-and-mend', 'Dig for Victory', transport, gas masks, air raids, blackout and war-time weddings. Also there will be sections featuring the Home Guard, ARP, the Women's Land Army and troops, such as the Americans serving in the area.
The eminently readable letters written by Harry Libby and a committee of loyal supporters to the local lads and lasses serving with the forces, tell snippets of news from home and news of their comrades serving elsewhere. Addressed to 'Dear friend ' and signed from 'us at home', they form part of the display, as well as the Roll of Honour of the 74 young Mumbles men and women who lost their lives on active service. Other events planned, include commemorative booklets, talks and tea dances.
In addition, we will be working with the support and assistance of Gareth Ellis Project Officer - Biodiversity, Environment Department, of the City & County of Swansea, to install several interpretation boards and to expose and make safe, the Second World War Forts, which still remain on MumblesHill Nature Reserve. Walks through the Forts are planned, with one scheduled for the afternoon of VE Day Sunday 8th May 2005 at 2 pm, commencing from Bracelet Bay Car Park, Mumbles.
The school children of today have not been forgotten and several events are especially planned for them, which will help explain the period in a way that they will understand and relate to best.
We hope that this commemoration will be a fitting tribute to the sacrifice made by all from the local community 'At Home and Away' during those dark and austere days.
We are looking for photographs and memorabilia to include in our display. For instance, have you still got your gas mask or tin hat, Grandpa's medals or a war-time wedding dress? War-time privations continued long after the war, consequently we are including the period from 1939 to 1950. Photographs, which will be copied and returned, are especially welcome.
For further details please contact -
Carol Powell M.A. History Project Co-ordinator
Ty Hanes
Local History Centre
4, Dunns Lane
Mumbles
Swansea
SA3 4AA.
Telephone - 01792 361012 or john_powellswansea@hotmail.com.
