The Westfield War Memorial Village Lancaster charity has published a book about the history of thriving and popular settlement within a conservation area in the city.
Its publication made possible thanks to the Heritage Fund, and input from many local people, Westfield War Memorial Village Lancaster: A History In Images is available now as a physical edition in local libraries and digitally on the Westfield charity website.
An enclosed, safe and nurturing community, as well as offering housing Westfield War Memorial Village has provided comfort and peace of mind for its residents since its inception in 1919. Well-maintained and tree-lined grass verges, an attractive memorial garden, shrubberies, flower beds, a bowling green and striking example of war statuary by an innovative female sculptress, Jennifer Delahunt, provide the aesthetic setting for this unique gated village.
Thomas H. Mawson, the acclaimed Lancashire landscape designer and town planner who designed the settlement, felt it should include as much nature, greenery and colour as possible to help heal the troubled minds and bodies of disabled ex-servicemen returning from the First World War. A legacy that is honoured to this day.
In his introduction to the new book, freelance heritage manager, writer and musician Dr. Martin Purdy, previously a sub-editor at the Daily Express, who is also co-author of The Gallipoli Oak and Doing Our Bit: The Story of the Great War Told Through the Experiences of One Small Northern Town, outlines how the Village was originally built for men returning with disabilities from the “war to end all wars”. The village continued to grow as further wars and conflicts came along and it is now open to all ex-servicemen and women who meet the specific criteria of residence.
“The need to provide homes fit for heroes at the end of the First World War resulted in numerous small and large-scale housing schemes being constructed around the British Isles,” he notes, “most of which have long since ceased to be used for the purpose they were originally built.
“The fact that Westfield has survived makes it something of an anomaly.
“This book is an attempt to share the rich history of the community, its many triumphs and challenges and the story of its survival. It is a tale of bravery, fortitude, commitment and sacrifice; not just in relation to the residents who have fought to overcome the often horrific physical or psychological scars of war, but also their spouses and children and the fundraisers, trustees and volunteers who have worked tirelessly, often unpaid – sometimes for decades and across generations – to keep the community afloat.”
Elsewhere, Dr. Purdy has thanked local residents who have contributed to the book, particularly through feedback on the Facebook Lancaster Past and Present group, for example, as well as other channels.
“There were lots of you and we were/are very grateful.
“New images and memories keep coming in and we welcome them all and look forward to sharing some of them with you in coming weeks.
• If you have any images or stories about your time on the village Westfield War Memorial Village Lancaster charity would love to hear or see them. Contact Dr. Martin Purdy via martinpurdy@talktalk.net