Following the success of their shoe exhibition “If the Shoe Fits” three years ago,
members of St Anne’s Church, Bewdley decided that they would mark the four years of
WW1 with a series of events under the heading, “Peace Matters”. One event begins
this month. An exhibition in the town’s museum, “Tower to Town” draws together
the stories of why townspeople bought a poppy from last year’s superb installation in
London, “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red”.
Many of the stories are very moving; relatives share accounts of young men on the
battlefields of both World Wars – “Grandad fought in the Battle of the Somme. In that
battle, all his hopes of ever continuing his football career died abruptly when he was
shot in both feet”; “my mother told me in later life that there were episodes when he
would descend into a dark place, weeping and tearing at his hair as he recalled his
dreadful experiences”; “looking at my poppy, peacefully installed in the garden, I think
about Uncle Tom and wish I had known him.”
Some memories are more recent, of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as the
written accounts there are artefacts and photos; medals, and memorabilia.
The exhibition runs from 16 July until 11 September and admission is free.
Pray for all of those organising the exhibition at St Anne’s, Bewdley and for those who
will visit the church as a result.
Evesham Deanery – Rural Dean: Richard Thornily; Lay Chair: Liz Booth
Diocese of Newcastle, Bishop Christine Hardman with Assistant Bishop Frank White
Diocese of Moere (Molde) (Norway): Bishop Ingeborg Midttoemme
The Anglican Church in Rwanda: Archbishop Dr Onesphore Rwaje
