THE conflicts of the first and second world wars were explored by the Forest Forge at two events in Fordingbridge on Friday, March 28.

Some 130 pupils from Burgate School, Western Downland, Breamore and Forres Sandle Manor schools watched the play at Burgate School.

The play, based on the memories from WW2 evacuees based in the Forest, was performed by the Forest Forge thespians and sponsored by Fordingbridge Museum.

Julian Hewitt from Fordingbridge Museum said: “The pupils created a brilliant atmosphere by dressing as evacuees complete with suitcases, gas mask boxes, luggage labels and even postcards ready to send home to parents. The play was skilfully written to enable the children to really empathise with the situations that wartime evacuees found themselves in. It was a perfect example of history being made both informative and entertaining.”

At an evening performance in the Victoria Rooms poignant memories of The Great War were evoked for an adult audience.

Once more actors from the Forest Forge performed a powerful evocation of communities saying goodbye to their loved ones before going off to fight.

Rosemary Squires, whose long and successful career was kicked off when she sang the 1970s Fairy Liquid advert, was the guest of honour at the event.

She said: “The poems and songs reminded me so much of when my mother took me to village halls when I was a child and talented local people put their heart and soul into providing really good entertainment.”

At the end of the play Ms Squires thanked the actors, saying: “I am so impressed by the vitality and technical ability of these gifted people.

“They are able to act, play instruments, sing and dance and go from high drama to lively humour at the drop of a hat.”