by Barbara Cooke
At the Round About Café at Westfield Corner, we’ve been exploring our local history over the past few months and some of you may well have joined us to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D Day and the centenary of the start of the First World War.
We’ve been fascinated to discover more about the local area’s rich heritage. It’s surprising how little is known about some aspects of our local history, especially in relation to its links with WW1. This has prompted us to get together with a number of local individuals and organisations who have expressed an interest in raising awareness of our heritage through exciting community projects.
Initial discussions have centred around the Swaythling Remount Depot which was situated on the North Stoneham Estate from 1914-1920. It made a huge contribution to the supply of horses to the Front Line. Other aspects of WW1 heritage are equally as fascinating and equally hidden.
We are currently preparing to submit a bid for funding to the Lottery Heritage Fund to give the local community an opportunity to get involved in raising the profile of the area and ensuring that our rich heritage is recorded for future generations.
On Friday 7th November, we’re holding a drop-in at the Round About Café between 1.30pm and 3.30pm where you can find out a bit more about our ideas for the project and share any ideas you might have. If you know anyone who has any memories or stories specifically about the Remount Depot or the local area during WW1, we would love to hear from you.
On 9th November, Harry Willis Fleming will be giving a talk about the Remount Depot at the SeaCity Museum in Southampton 3-4pm. Tickets cost £5 which includes entry to the Soldiers’ Journey exhibition.†
For more information, please contact Barbara Cooke, Community Development Officer for Radian, on 023 8062 8163 or email barbara.cooke@radian.co.uk
† Tickets in person at the museum or by phone 023 8083 4536.