Even with our museum doors closed for winter, we’re excited to share a truly special event.

On Thursday 19 February 2026, Portland author David Wilkins joins us to tell the remarkable true story behind his bestselling book The Longest Walk Home — the rediscovered memoir of Private Raymond Bailey, a 21‑year‑old Vauxhall apprentice who escaped 2,000 miles across wartime Europe.

Captured in 1940, Ray refused to remain a prisoner of war. Exhausted, starving, and constantly in danger, he kept going with the help of strangers who risked everything to guide him to safety. His memoir, written at just 22 and lost for decades, offers a rare, deeply human voice from the Second World War.

David will share how this extraordinary manuscript was found in an unmarked box of wartime memorabilia — and how Ray’s story has become a top‑twenty Waterstones history bestseller.

📚 Signed copies available
David is kindly donating profits from all books sold at the event to Portland Museum.

📍 C2000 Hall, Straits
🕝 2:30pm–4pm
🎟 £4 / £3 Friends of Portland Museum
📧 To book: [email protected]
📞 01305 821804

We’d love to welcome you to this moving and inspiring winter talk.