TREASURES and tantalising pieces of ephemera stashed away around Stow are hoped to be enticed from their hiding places to help stage a unique event.

Memorabilia to marvel at is being called for in an appeal by Stow and District Civic Society to tell the story of the town.

Many secrets and surprises could be uncovered as the society aims to unveil historical finds in a ‘pop-up museum’ this summer.

The one-off, one-day event – Wool, War and Wonders – will be staged on Saturday, August 20, in St Edward’s Hall. If people show enough enthusiasm for the project – a permanent collection to showcase the town’s evolution could be launched.

Items which highlight people’s involvement in shaping the town’s history are key to this pioneering project. “We don’t necessarily want expensive heirlooms but are looking for things small or large which have stories to them,” explained Stow Civic Society chairman Nigel Surman.

“Many towns and villages in the area have heritage centres or hubs, visitor experiences or a ‘museum’ as it was once known,” he said. “The need for a museum in Stow has been long voiced. A number of collectors have already been approached to research the project’s feasibility and we’re confident we can put on a great show.

“Now we’d like to ascertain the true level of local interest and support. Importantly this taster will bring items together, albeit for a short time, for local people to admire. If the success of this event results in us needing to seek grants and other financial support for a more permanent facility.”

The ‘pop-up’ was the brainchild of Simon Clarke, co-owner of Christopher Clarke antiques, and a civic society member who’s worked closely with fellow committee member Derek Taylor. A town museum is their cherished ambition. Simon has been amassing his own treasure trove and wants to inspire others. “Items have to be specific to Stow – not something like grandma’s old teapot bought in Woolworths in Cheltenham in the 1960s,” he said.

“We chose wool as one subject as Stow was a market town selling lots of wool from dealers all around the area. War is an obvious topic as the town was the site for The Battle of Stow, the last major skirmish in the first Civil War, in 1646.

“Wonders covers all the other wonderful things we hope to discover. For instance, I would love it if we could find connections with the leatherworkers, once based in Stow. We also had clockmakers, such as Walter Archer who was working around 1700.”

People’s items can include objects, old photos, art work, diaries, books, and things people have made whilst living in Stow.