Walk the commemorative First World War walk with the Community Heritage Access Centre team

In the year that marks a century since the end of the First World War, South Somerset District Council (SSDC) would like to invite people to join in a guided walk around Yeovil town centre.

Yeovil town centre War Memorial

The walk, which will be free of charge, will take those attending around points of interest relating to the Great War. Covering a distance of 1.3km, the walk will follow part of the suggested self-led route which was funded by South West Museums Development.

SSDC’s Community Heritage Access Centre’s Heritage Coordinator, Joseph Lewis, will be taking on the role of tour guide. Along the way he’ll offer insight into Yeovil during the Great War by sharing information on the locations the tour passes, telling stories about those that lived during the time and showing photos of what the town looked like.

Councillor Nick Weeks, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, says: “The First World War was a devastating event in our history. To let it pass without recognition or to allow it to be forgotten in the past would be a travesty. These guided walks, we hope, will give people the opportunity to learn how the war affected us here in Yeovil. The events must be discussed so it can be learned from and remembered by generations to come.”

The walk begins at 11:00am at Waterloo Lane and finishes at the Newnham Memorial Hall. There will be three tours starting at 11:00am and will take place on Thursday 8 November, Saturday 10 November and Thursday 15 November. Each walk will take an hour and has ten places available.

Due to the limited place availability, it’s essential that those interested book in advance by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01935 462855.

For those that wish to walk the self-guided route, walk leaflets can be found at Yeovil Town Council and Yeovil Tourist Information Centre or download your copy at www.southsomersetheritage.org.uk.