War-time museum could close as it loses home

A community museum about life during war times needs to find a new home.

The museum run by the Living Memory Historical Association in Cirencester has asked for help to find a new home to save it from permanent closure.

The building on Sheep Street is being sold by the landlord, the Cotswold District Council.

Peter Grace, who runs the museum, said: "In order not to lose a useful community facility we are desperate to find alternative accommodation, preferably in the town centre to be close to the air raid shelter."

The Museum displays more than 2,000 items telling the story of the Cotswolds during World War Two, including photos of American bandleader Glenn Miller visiting Cirencester in 1944, the desk-fan of jet-engine inventor Sir Frank Whittle and a "make-do-and-mend" wedding dress created from parachute silk.

Many items are uniquely local 1940s heirlooms donated by visitors - including some bottled fruit that is 80 years old.

The museum is a passion project of two local teachers, Bill Irving and Peter Grace - with the help of Bill's wife, Jane.

For 35 years, the three have given up every Saturday throughout spring and summer to open the museum free of charge, and on weekdays for school parties and visiting groups.

The museum will open in its current location for the last time on 2 November.

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