Town celebrates achievements of intrepid swimmer Captain Webb

Dawley-born Captain Matthew Webb had taken 21 hours and 45 minutes to swim the English Channel from Dover, earning himself global fame in the process.

And yesterday, county residents and historians united in Dawley Town Hall, Telford, to celebrate his incredible achievement.

Historians Alan and Barb Heighway, of St Georges in Telford, have spent the last 30 years – and thousands of pounds – building up their collection of Captain Webb memorabilia. And yesterday they showed off their collection of original lithographs, portraits, personal possessions, commemorative postcards and plates.

"Captain Webb was a real hero for Dawley and today celebrated his life and achievements," said Mr Heighway. "We had about 30 people come along to enjoy the exhibition and the talk I did – and we even had a distant relative to Webb come along.

"He said he was a relation of Captain Webb on his wife's side before she married and he couldn't believe all that Webb achieved in his life."

The event came two days after a special screening in the Town Hall of a new film about Webb's life, which itself followed events around the town as part of Dawley Day on Saturday.

On Saturday, events were spread around the town, with live music from local band Savannah in the Town Hall, stalls and activities and a fun run on the playing fields.

Councillor Shaun Davies, chairman of Great Dawley Parish Council, said between 3,000 and 4,000 people turned out to take part in the various activities and enjoy the day.

He said: "It was a great day, with lots of people getting into the Captain Matthew Webb spirit by wearing false moustaches for the day."

For more information contact Mr Heighway on 07832 928445.