Were you a Land Girl? Did you fall in love to the sound of Glenn Miller? Perhaps you remember cooking with powdered eggs or maybe you were a 'coca cola' kid? You could even have been evacuated or remember the drone of aircraft from the many airfields in the area. Whatever your story we want you to share it with the BBC and the nation. From 27 May - 12 June the BBC WW2 People's War Roadshow will be at Bedford's Civic Theatre so that the public can come and record their stories for posterity. Personal And everyone's story is important. It doesn't matter how short it is, because it is the incidental detail of everyday life that will help to build a very personal picture of wartime Britain. The BBC Roadshow consists of a mixture of displays and technical facilities, with computer terminals, a memory wall and desks to write an outline of your story before committing it to the site. And there's no need to worry if you're not technically minded because the whole process will be clearly explained with staff on hand throughout to provide help and advice. Why tell your story? World War Two was one of the defining events of history, a time when ordinary people were called on to do extraordinary things. In Britain, from the Home Front to the Front line, everyone who lived through the war, or who had family that did, has been touched by the experience. Now, almost 60 years after the end of the conflict, the BBC has created a unique opportunity for that generation to share their stories with the rest of the nation and to provide a personal account of Britain at war. The People's War archive will ensure that the experiences and memories of many of those who lived through those years are not lost, but can be shared by all and treasured for future generations. 2004 and 2005 marks the 60th anniversaries of the closing years of the Second World War. The BBC will be commemorating these anniversaries with TV, radio and interactive programming across its networks. The People's War website - www.bbc.co.uk/ww2 - will run alongside all the programming, bringing together the personal stories. Bedford at War The BBC's People's War will have a high profile presence in Bedford between 27th May and mid June. We need your story to build the biggest picture to date of life in Bedford during WW2. And this means stories about life in Bedford as well as those serving on the battlefields. So please consider what your contribution could be to this valuable BBC project. In addition to being a valuable resource for future generations in Bedford and the UK, it will provide a lasting tribute to all those who lived and died through the experience of the Second World War. Come and visit uthe Roadshow at Bedford Civic Theatre between 27 May and 12 June (closed Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday) and let us record your story. Whatever it is, we want you to share it with the BBC and the nation. Roadshow highlights Alongside the facilities for recording your story, there will be an exciting programme of WW2 exhibits and events. Throughout the Roadshow - Projected Picture Trust will be showing wartime archive material using original cinematic theatre equipment at regular intervals for the duration of the Roadshow
- 'Songs That Won the War'-sing-along sessions led by Albert Neech
- 'Bedford and The Secret War' talks by well known local historians
- WW2 Readings and Poetry
Feature displays by - The British Legion
- 40's Revisited by Beds Central Library Services and Bedford Reminiscence Group
- 'When Auntie Came to Tea' by the Friends of John Bunyan Church
- 'Bedfordshire at War' by Bedfordshire & Luton Archives
| Other events: | | Friday 4 June | | BBC Three Counties Radio will be present at the Roadshow ready to hear your stories on air - they will also be broadcasting live from the Normandy beaches | | | Saturday 5 June |
| Chris Way author of 'Glenn Miller in Britain Then & Now' talks about the great bandleader and his music, 11.00am & 2.00pm. Signed copies of his book will be available | | Monday 7 June
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| 'Well Remembered Fields'-dramatized readings by Daivd Bernstein and Alan Locke at 11.00am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm. Signed copies of the book will also be available. | | | Tuesday 8 June | | 'Show and Tell' - Live Broadcast with BBC Three Counties Radio presenter Martin Coote Do you have a WW2 photograph or item of memorabilia that could provide the basis for your story? Bring it along on and meet BBC 3CR's Martyn Coote who will be presenting live from the Roadshow | | | Wednesday 9 June | | 'Black Propaganda- the Secret War' an illustrated talk by John Pether at 11.00am & 1.30pm | | | Thursday 10 June | | 'Well Remembered Fields'-dramatized readings by Daivd Bernstein and Allan Locke at 11.00am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm. Signed copies of the book will also be available. | | | Friday 11 June | | Throughout the day Daivd Bernstein and Allan Locke will be performing dramatised readings from 'Well Remembered Fields' and the author will also be signing copies of the book. | |
For further information contact BBC Three Counties Radio Action Desk on: 01582 441111 or Bedford Tourist Information Centre on 01234 215226 
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