Exhibition tells story of journey from India in 1947

THE STORY of a journey from India to Leamington in 1947 is told in a new exhibition.

Horace Boyer’s story forms part of Heritage and Culture Warwickshire’s Our Commonwealth project and a special exhibition cabinet is now on display at Market Hall Museum in Warwick.

The family treasures – lent by Horace’s daughter Louise Jennings – tell of Horace’s early life in Lonavala, near to present-day Mumbai. Horace attended boarding school where his talent for athletics was nurtured and he later competed in the then Indian Olympic Games. A selection of his winning cups can be seen in the exhibition.

At the age of 17, in the year India gained independence from Britain, Horace moved to the UK to take up an apprenticeship at the Standard Motor Company in Coventry, and later became an engineer at Automotive Products in Leamington.

Horace’s mother Daisy Boyer later joined him in the UK, with both settling permanently in Leamington, where Horace met Cubbington girl Beryl Rose. Horace and Beryl married in 1957 and raised their family in the town.

Other objects on display include an amethyst and quartz from the family farm in Lonavala, prized elephant cufflinks worn by Horace on special occasions – including on his wedding day, and a gold and ruby watch owned by Horace’s mother Daisy.

Cooking is a motif that runs through family life, and also on display is the family pestle and mortar. Visitors can even find out about the important role pomegranates played in their kitchen.

Louise said “I am so proud to see my dad’s amazing story on display. I have bought my 90 year-old mum to see the exhibition and she loved it. My brother Stephen, who sadly died recently, didn’t get to see it but I had told him what was planned and was able to show him some of the display panels, I know he would have been so proud too.”

Warwickshire County Council culture spokeswoman Heather Timms added: “It is great to hear about the links our local residents have with the Commonwealth, especially in this Coronation year. Hopefully the fascinating story of the Boyer family’s journey from India to Leamington will inspire others to be curious about their own family heritage.”

Visit www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/a-leamington-familys-connections-to-the-commonwealth

for more details about Horace’s story.

Market Hall Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free.