VISITORS will only have one chance to view more than 250 items in a unique display of Stow's colourful past.

A one-day pop-up museum called "Wool, War and Wonders" is being unveiled on Saturday, August 20.

Organiser Stow and District Civic Society think the treasure trove will have an instant impact and hope it will spark overwhelming support for a lasting showcase.

The society said fascinating finds – many never seen in public - flooded in from residents and collectors in response to the society’s appeal in May.

Society member and co-owner of Christopher Clarke Antiques Simon Clarke said: “Initially it seemed a mad idea to do all this work just for one day but it could be the catalyst for a more permanent museum in the future.

"This would not only show visitors the town’s history but also let its residents rediscover their regional identity and make them proud of where they live.”

From a mannequin wearing the uniform of Stow soldier Arthur Hathaway, who was on HMS Glasgow on D-Day, to an early 20th century pair of sheep shears - Mr Clarke has painstakingly catalogued every donated object with former museum curator Cynthia Duval.

He said: “We didn’t know what was going to turn up next. I think a lot more memorabilia will come out when people see what we’re looking for – it could open the floodgates.”

One item stopped Mr Clarke in his tracks. “I was stunned when Stow Library said someone had just left a rather gruesome framed ‘souvenir’ poster,” he said.

“It gives an account of the trial and execution of Edmund Jeffrey for the murder of a Mr Rens at Stow.

“It’s an example of an early 19th century Execution Broadside – giving a lurid history of the criminal - the forerunner to the tabloid. The Broadsides were sold at public executions and not many of these will have survived so this one could be unique.”

The donations tell a riveting story of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Part of a war memorial made for Stow in 1915 by stonemason Mr Clifford, but rejected by the town council, turned up from a Burford antique dealer. Stow delicatessen owner Mark Buffrey uncovered a Stow Girl Guides record book with badges gained. And a resident handed in a revealing Stow school punishment book from 1935 to 1955.

Mr Clarke quipped: “There will be a few people in Stow who could be in there."

All the loaned exhibits are now collated and recorded.

Society chairman Nigel Surman said: “We could call upon them again if the ‘taster’ museum is a success and we go on to seek grants and other financial support for a permanent base.”

Stow played a significant role in the first English Civil War.

The Battle of Stow, in 1646, was the last major skirmish. The town was also known for its thriving wool markets.

The museum opens from 10am to 7pm.