DVD celebrates US connection

1:12pm Monday 1st December 2008

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IN June a memorial was dedicated to the former Second World War, US Army’s 52nd General Hospital in the parish church at Wolverley. The day’s events were recorded on film, ensuring that a visual record will be available for future generations.

Using much of the film taken that day, a DVD has now been produced with the help of Roger Jordan, and other members of Kidderminster Camcorder Club. The former winner of BBC Midlands Today’s, Young Reporter of the Year, Jo Grant, narrates the film.

It begins in the peaceful setting of Wolverley village and moves to the site of the former hospital. This is followed by a brief history of the 52nd, using numerous still photographs, documents and newspaper cuttings, interviews with people who were there, and colour film taken by Lt Col Richard S Farr at Camp Wolverley in 1944.

Then it moves to the present day with scenes and comments of some of those who came to take part.

You can watch the Spitfire and Hurricane fly low over Wolverley, adding their own magic to this special occasion. This is followed by the parade of dignitaries and the 28 standards that were on parade that day.

Next we see exerpts from the colourful church ceremony and the unveiling of the memorial plaque.

Our film ends in the nearby memorial hall as the local Women’s Institute entertain everyone with a selection of wartime sketches and songs.

Copies of the DVD are for sale at £6.50, and the proceeds are to be donated to local charities and organisations.

Copies can be obtained from The Lock Inn, The Queens Head and the Costcutter store in Sebright Road, Wolverley. They can also be purchased from Kidderminster Library or from me on 01562 636245 or by e-mail at mike2005@blueyonder.co.uk

MIKE WEBSTER Hayes Road, Wolverley