Book launch

Ten years ago I had the idea to research the stories behind the memorials in the churchyards that were dedicated to someone that died in the First World War. On the centenary of their death, their story was put on display as part of the Remembering the Fallen of the Great War at Christ Church exhibition. The feedback and support for that was really positive, which has led to a book being published. We are delighted to announce that the book of ‘Remembering the Fallen of the Great War at Christ Church’ will be launched here at Christ Church on Saturday 25th February at 2pm, and all are very welcome! From that date the book will be available to purchase in our online shop and from ourselves during our openings (Fridays 1 – 4pm). It will also be available at Eleos Christian Bookshop (next-door) and at Hardy’s Bookstore in Berriew Road.

‘Remembering the Fallen of the Great War at Christ Church’ is in paperback with colour photographs throughout. It features the stories of twenty-nine men that died in the First World War that have a memorial in the churchyard. Their stories give a glimpse of life in Welshpool and surrounding area 100 years ago, and mirror key events in the Great War. It will be for sale for £10, with all proceeds going to the restoration of Christ Church and enabling it to be open to the public.

We are hugely grateful to the Trustees of the Old Gentleman’s Club, New Street Trust; The Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association, Welshpool Branch; and Powysland Club for their support in helping with the printing costs of the book. It really could not have happened without their help. We are also very grateful to local printers, Welshpool Printing Group, whose service was fantastic to get this book to a reality.

To coincide with the launch, we are also hosting the Thomas Penson exhibition that originated at Y Dolydd in Llanfyllin. The exhibition sheds a little more light on the prolific Victorian architect that designed Christ Church as well as many other buildings in Montgomeryshire and Shropshire. The exhibition will be with us for several weeks.