Welcome to Ducketts Passage Wartime Museum

 Hi, my name is John and I'm fundraising to be able to tell the story of war-torn Britain in the form of a museum. For 22 years I have been collecting original 1940s Homefront and British militaria items and I feel it’s time to put these on display to tell the story of the brave men who went off to fight and the strong men, women and children who stayed and defended Britain to what we know today. 

With the museum, I intend to show what life in the 1940s was like with shops stocked with wartime items; A typical 1940s house with a layout of each room, A dig-for victory garden with Anderson shelter, Homefront uniforms such as Air Raid Precaution Wardens (ARP), Home Guard, Police and National Fire Service (NFS), Not forgetting our ladies of the Women’s Institute (WI), Women’s Land Army (WLA), First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY). Civilian Clothing, Evacuees, Vehicles, Rations and Rationing and Military Uniforms of the boys who left not knowing if they will ever return. It is important to keep their stories alive and remember, many gave their lives so we may have the lives we have now. 

World War II is not taught as much as it used to be, the younger generation are not learning anything about our heritage and what our country went through during the years of 1939-1945. A museum will be a fantastic way of learning and seeing artefacts that have survived to tell a tale. Along with a museum, I will be looking to incorporate a gift shop to include vintage and antique items on sale and a 1940s-themed cafe with Tea, Victoria Sponge and Spam sandwiches on the menu to give a wartime feel. All of this will open job opportunities and bring people into the local area and community. 

The layout of this museum will be an ideal location/setting for filming again putting the area on the map. This will also be a skilful use for students/children to learn about WWII and film study groups having use of an authentic environment. Throughout the year we will hold dedicated events to support charities, these will include The Royal British Legion / Poppy Appeal, Forces Support and Help for Heroes. Events will incorporate Living History days with actors for a fully immersive feel, Live Music, History talks and Homefront at Christmas. The donations received will go towards the building of the museum, Displays, Staffing, Running and upkeep of the museum, Security, advertising and keeping history alive. 

Your donations today will be much appreciated. 

Thank-you.