PIECES of Oswestry history have been returned to the town’s museum, all the way from New Zealand.

Oswestry museum enjoyed a visitor from the other end of the world last Friday (July 19) when Derek Williams travelled from New Zealand to bring a family collection of town-related items to donate to the museum.

Mark Hignett, curator at the museum which is based on the top floor of the Guildhall, on the Bailey Head, said he was delighted to receive them.

OTHER NEWS:

And he added that items were always welcome and hoped to see people coming to visit the museum.

“To receive donations and pieces of Oswestry’s history from around us is exciting enough but for them to come all the way from New Zealand is even better,” he said.

“We are so pleased to have taken ownership of these items from Derek and that they are significant to people and places from around the town.

“We really want to thank Derek for taking the time to come to see us at the museum last week and for him to pass on these much-loved items for display.

“We always welcome a conversation with anyone who wishes to have something displayed.”

Mark described the items received by the museum, included some that were very dear to Derek and his extended family.

He said: “These items included albums of postcards sent home to Oswestry by his Uncle John during the war where he served as an ambulance driver.

“John is remembered in Oswestry as a photographer responsible for taking photographs of many events.

“And one in the collection is a garden party held by the national school.

“Derek has donated many items over the years, himself a former Oswestry Boys High School pupil on his last visit he donated his High School Cap and Prefects badge.

“The collection is currently being sorted and will be on display later this year.”

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

Mark added that he was able to share a memory with Derek and took is picture in front of the museum’s Wall of Woman, which celebrates Oswestry’s female achievers.

He said: “We were able to show him Mary Hignett, who we are both related to.”

Any enquiries for the museum can be put to Mark on 01691 780042 or by visiting it when open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10am until 3pm.