AN EXHIBITION exploring the lives of World War One soldiers from the Frome area was opened recently at a gallery in the town.
Rook Lane Arts Trust’s ‘Home of our Delight’ exhibition was launched at Rook Lane Chapel recently. The exhibition is the culmination of a two year community project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, exploring the impact of the First World War on Mells and surrounding villages.
On behalf of Rook Lane Arts trustees, Martin Bax expressed his thanks to the numerous supporters and contributors, but particularly to Jo Plimmer and Sue Bucklow who co-ordinated and curated the project. “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Raymond and Clare Asquith for not only allowing access to the family records but also for their generosity in time and knowledge,” Martin said. “Also to John d’Arcy, archivist for the Horner/ Asquith papers for his invaluable help in the preparation of this project.
“The exhibition tells the stories of men from all backgrounds listed on the Mells war memorial. It was particularly poignant to hear the current Earl of Oxford and Asquith, grandson of Raymond Asquith who was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme exactly a hundred years ago, read from letters sent by his grandfather shortly before his death.”
Stephen Boyce of the Heritage Lottery Fund commended all aspects of the ‘Home of our Delight’ project as ‘second to none, exemplary’. He added ‘Frome has a rare talent for this’.
As well as the exhibition, which runs until Saturday 22nd October at Rook Lane Chapel, Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm (free entry), there is also a history trail through Mells village. Leaflets for the history trail are available from Rook Lane or the Mells Village shop.
Those with a smartphone can also download the history trail app from the project website www.homeofourdelight.org.uk
A series of evening talks also accompanies the exhibition; find out more at www.rooklane.org.uk
