NEARLY three decades after the gates closed for the final time, the story of Ringwood’s Wellworthy Factory is being brought back to life through a new exhibition.

It is almost 28 years since the factory shut in 1998, ending 55 years of manufacturing in the town.

Originally established to support wartime requirements, Wellworthy went on to produce world-class engine components and became a major employer, with thousands of people passing through its doors over the decades.

Now, thanks to the Meeting House Trustees, a dedicated display unit and archive space has been created to house more than 20 files of information and over 250 photographs documenting the factory’s history.

The exhibition has been arranged by former employees Geoff Hodder, Derek Place and Martin Smith.

The collection includes material on the history of the company and site, foundry and machine shop processes, long service awards and retirement presentations, as well as employee sports, charity and social events.

Visitors can also discover the site’s links to the Spitfire, the railway, the Ringwood Carnival and even a tank engine component.

Organisers hope the exhibition will be of interest not only to former employees and their families, but also to those with an interest in Ringwood’s past and the wider story of British engineering.

One of the archive files, titled “Memories of Employees”, is set to grow further.

Ex-workers are being invited to contribute their recollections, whether handwritten or typed, long or short.

Every role and every memory is welcomed as part of a lasting record of the thousands who worked at the site.

During the week commencing March 9, exhibits and videos will be available to view on the ground floor, with organisers on hand to meet visitors.

On Wednesday, March 11, former employees are especially encouraged to attend and reconnect with old colleagues.

The exhibition, located upstairs at The Meeting House in Ringwood, is open from 10am to noon Monday to Saturday, and until 2.30pm on Wednesdays.

Donations of photographs and memorabilia are also welcomed.