I BELIEVE the Red House Museum in Christchurch is to conduct an in-depth study into the work of Sir Donald Bailey, the designer of the Bailey Bridge (Daily Echo, June 1).
Having been employed by the MOD for 41 years, 26 of them at MEXE while Sir Donald was the director, 1957 to 1962, I would like to suggest this be extended to cover also the historical involvement of the barrack from 1793 to 1994 and the experimental establishment’s impact on the town.
In 1919 the Barracks became RE Experimental Bridging Company, in 1946 renamed Military Engineering Experimental Establishment, then finally the Military Vehicle Experimental Establishment until closure in 1994.
In 1969 the establishment was granted the freedom of the Borough of Christchurch.
After closure, former employees tried to persuade the council to obtain the guard house and convert it into a permanent museum, but with no success.
It’s now a ladies’ hairdressers!
The only record of the achievement of the establishment is a reference in the Christchurch Guide Book.
Considering the benefit of the establishment to the town, surely some space could be found in the Museum or Highcliffe Castle?
N A ROPER, Stour Way, Christchurch
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