A STOW-on-the-Wold group is asking residents to showcase their memorabilia to help tell the story of the town's history, through to the present day.

The Stow and District Civic Society wants people to dig out any historical items they have, to be showcased in a 'pop-up museum' this summer and hope the call may lead to a number of interesting historical finds. 

The one day event called Wool, War and Wonders, will be staged on Saturday, August 20 in St Edwards Hall. 

Items can include things people have made whilst living in Stow plus old photos, art work, diaries or books. 

"We don't necessarily want expensive heirlooms but are looking for things small or large which have stories to them," explained Stow and District Civic Society chairman Nigel Surman. 

"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."

If the pop-up museum proves to be a success, the project could result in a lasting collection, leading to a permanent museum in the town, something chairman Nigel Surman says, "has long been voiced."

The interest levels of the project will be used to gauge the level of support in the town for a permanent facility.

Civic society members Simon Clarke and Derek Taylor are behind the 'pop-up' idea. 

Both have ambitions for a town museum and hope to inspire others to share their vision. 

"Wonders covers all the the wonderful things we hope to discover," explained Simon Clarke who highlighted a couple of historical aspects he was interested in finding out more about.

"I would love it if we could find connections with the leather workers, once based in Stow.

"We also had clockmakers, such as Walter Archer who was working around 1700."