A RECENT visit to see the New Brewery Arts commemoration of the start of the First World War proved once more what a splendid centre of culture we have in Cirencester.

The exhibition based on First World War communications was highly innovative and I understand unique among countrywide commemorations.

What better way to show this than by the use of wire and thus remember the background of the fighters in the trenches. Contact wire was from primitive telephones linking trenches behind the lines. So it was that the display turned to wire in the making of individual and artistic sculptures of the humble racing pigeons. Seven of our local primary school’s children were shown how to weave wire into pigeons by a wire sculptor, Celia Smith.When the children completed their sculptures they attached a personal message of remembrance just as the soldiers had sent tactical messages tied to a pigeon’s leg.

Many pigeons made successful flights despite special groups of enemy snipers who were detailed to shoot them down. Even broken wings and legs didn’t stop these brave birds.

The dozens of children’s pigeons were made into a huge flock winging their way over the art gallery to the subdued accompaniment of war songs. A video continued to show documents and photos of this part of the war. Visitors were encouraged to work their own pigeon out of wire provided and add their remembrance.

This sobering remembrance of the sacrifice of men and animals was a splendid way for the children and visitors to play their part in this artistic display.

What a jewel in the crown of Cirencester’s culture is New Brewery Arts. Cirencester must not lose it to developers.

C GOULD

Cirencester