The West Lancashire community of Ormskirk came together this past weekend to pay tribute to the men and women who fought, died, and survived two World Wars. A special one-day exhibition, organised by the Ormskirk & District Family History Society, transformed the New Church House at Ormskirk Parish Church into a vibrant hub of local remembrance.
A Grand Opening and In-Depth Exploration
The event was officially opened by West Lancashire Mayor Councillor Anne Fennell, who was accompanied by Mayoress Councillor Sarah Lawton. The dignitaries spent over an hour and a half immersed in the displays, guided by the exhibition's organiser, Society Librarian Kathryn Macdonald, and Society Vice-Chairman Keith Broadbent. The exhibition, titled 'Ormskirk at War', covered a vast range of experiences, from the stories of evacuees and prisoners of war to life on the home front and the celebrations of VE and VJ Day.
The extensive collection filled the Mansergh, Draper, and Thornton Rooms, covering not only the First and Second World Wars but also highlighting local men who served in the Crimean and Boer Wars.
Highlighting Women's Vital War Contributions
A particularly popular segment was the 'Opening the Doors' exhibition in the Mansergh Room, which focused on the crucial role of women during World War One. This display, on loan from Positive Place-makers, depicted the bravery of nurses like Muriel Hutton, who faced enemy fire while working on hospital ships in the Eastern Mediterranean.
It also showcased how women on the home front took on roles such as maintaining and cleaning railway carriages for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railways. Many women in West Lancashire found new employment in munitions factories, including Hattersley’s factory on Burscough Road in Ormskirk. The exhibition poignantly remembered Ellen Preece, who was tragically killed in an explosion at the Aintree Powder Works.
Personal Stories and Remarkable Archives
In the Draper Room, a Family History Society helpdesk assisted visitors with ancestral research. Mayor Anne Fennell was delighted when researcher Mrs Pam Richardson quickly located one of her relatives online. The room also featured original documents, photographs, and soldiers' letters, including a collection of WW2 letters to an Aughton Street address, curated by Society member Norma Gregson.
Local author Teresa Williams presented a detailed display on John Nathan Lindon, a local man who was a POW in Changi Camp. His collection of drawings, created in captivity, offered a powerful glimpse into his experiences. Another standout was the unique archive of Ormskirk solicitor Cecil Maples, who was honoured by the King of the Belgians for his work setting up a hospital in Rouen, France.
Other participants included the Lathom Park Trust, which displayed a War Horse exhibit, and Ormskirk Heritage Hub, which sold Christmas cards to raise funds. The event was a resounding success, attracting over 120 visitors who spent considerable time engaging with the rich local history on display.
