'Exciting' military exhibition on the move

An "exciting" exhibition on Worcestershire's military heritage has started its journey to its new home.

Veterans and history students have begun moving 'The Worcestershire Soldier' exhibition from Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum to the Commandery in Sidbury.

The project has received a £1m grant from the National Lottery Fund and has been scheduled to open in February 2028.

Councillor Hannah Cooper said: "This looks so exciting. The images look incredible and massive congratulations to the team for securing this funding. It's really immense."

Philippa Tinsley, head of museums and tourism, said the exhibits would be "object rich" with the opportunity for "lots of interactivity".

She said part of the exhibition will focus on national service, which took place in the UK between 1939 and 1960.

"The population who took part in national service is rapidly diminishing so it's an opportunity to tell that story before it completely disappears," she told a meeting of the council's place and economic development committee on Wednesday.

Tinsley said veterans were a "core audience" of the project and veterans groups had already been consulted.

Worcestershire veterans have contributed to an oral history project, and other sessions for veterans could be hosted at the Commandery as part of the wider programme, she said.

Young people, including history students at the University of Worcester, are also being involved in preparations for the opening.

Agenda papers said the new exhibition would help "encourage" tourism in the city.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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