We are fortunate to have historical sites in abundance in Wessex. It was about one, the Fovant Badges, that Dr Tony Philips, Treasurer of The Fovant Badges Society, came to talk to us. He told us that by 1918 there were 20 badges cut into the Compton, Fovant, and Sutton Downs, all visible from the A30. But, what are they, and who made them?

It is hard to believe now that a huge military camp existed at Fovant in 1914. Here 20,000 men were trained and billeted prior to departure for the battlefields of Flanders. It was the soldiers who designed and cut their regimental badges in the turf of the Downs. They did this in their spare time to commemorate their comradeship. Sadly, by 2000, soil creep, weathering, and farming, had almost obliterated the badges.

The Fovant Badges Society began a restoration campaign. They raised £200,000, gained Ancient monument status, and recognition of the Badges as a World War One memorial site. Now it is possible to view and visit 8 restored Badges, a striking testament to a courageous generation.

We are delighted to report that we have more groups than ever in which to participate from September. Visits organiser Chris Perry reported on an enjoyable visit to the Somerset Levels and gave information on 3 more planned visits, to the Olympic Village, Buckingham Palace, and Abbotsbury. We are invited to take part in The Shared Learning Project at Salisbury Museum. Information Day is September 9th at the Museum.  See our NEWS section for more details.