One of the highlights of an otherwise tough year in 2020 was the opportunity in May to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day – the end of WW2 in Europe. We remembered the sacrifices made by so many in the cause of our freedom, peace and democracy. Quite rightly the focus was on the armed forces of the time, many of whom didn’t come home. Save Our Town also highlighted the massive contribution made by men, and especially women, on the home front, particularly in the local factories. In some respects similar to the local efforts to fight Covid.
Save Our Town is part of a Steering Group creating a new Visitor Attraction for the town that will house what is Luton’s ‘Best Kept Secret’ – the sixty-plus vehicles in the historic Vauxhall Heritage Collection
When researching the part played by Vauxhall Motors during WW2 we came across a battered copy of a book titled, An Account of Our Stewardship (Being the wartime story of Vauxhall Motors Ltd. Luton.). Published in 1946. It sought to put on record the extraordinary contribution of the people of Luton, and surrounding areas, to that Victory in Europe (and in the far-east). They designed, engineered and built many thousands of Churchill tanks, ¼ million Bedford trucks, prototype jet engines and millions of other desperately needed items for the forces. Some of these folk are still alive, many are not, but they were and are OUR PEOPLE.
Vauxhall have kindly allowed Save Our Town to republish this wonderful book. It is written in a charming, engaging, and modest style, epitomised by the foreword written by Vauxhall legend Sir Charles Bartlett. It’s an inspiring record of what happened when everyone pulled together, when suddenly the impossible became achievable. It tells of the blood, toil, tears and sweat of the women and men of our town, how they made an essential difference when backs were against the wall in those dark times. If you’ve ever wondered why people say ‘I’m proud to come from Luton’ – here’s one very good reason. The skills, ingenuity, teamwork, dedication, fortitude, can-do attitude and sacrifice of this Golden Generation should be an inspiration to us all today.
This softback book will be of importance to anyone with an interest in Luton or its social, wartime or industrial history. It is currently available exclusively through local charity Culture Trust Luton, via their website
Any orders required for Christmas should be placed immediately.