16/10/2026
๐ซถ๐ผโค๏ธ
๐ท Beach huts along Woolacombe Sand and the village, 1930
Our current exhibition, North Devonโs Home Front Writers, 1937-45, features the story of Alice Raley, a London secretary who woke up in Woolacombe on VJ Day.
"... the sleepy little place was transformed. Every house had hung out a flag, or was busy doing so, and all down the road excited children were letting off penny squibs..."
"We heard the news on the wireless that morning... Nobody said very much; they were just sincerely thankful, and then went off and really enjoyed themselves, getting a kick out of being the first people to be holidaying in peacetime... it was grand, feeling that we weren't fighting any longer."
๐ Reading the diary entries and written extracts of peopling living or holidaying in North Devon during war time - including as the war came to an end - captures the personal thoughts, feelings and reflections that are so often difficult to access.
๐ With thanks to writer and historian Dr Todd Gray for co-curating this fascinating exhibition, offering deeply personal perspectives on a significant point in British history.
๐ North Devonโs Home Front Writers, 1937-45
Exhibition closes on 17 October, 4.30pm | Admission is FREE
๐ท ยฉ Historic Environment Scotland
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