Make do and mend

Most of us never give a second thought to turning on a light or sleeping in our beds without the fear of bombing.

We live in a world of fully-stocked fridges, hot and cold running water and central heating.

But 60 years ago life in Bromsgrove was very different. As part of the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day, Bromsgrove Museum's Karen Spry asked our readers to tell her about their wartime memories.

She has been delighted with the response, which help give a clearer picture of life in the town during the war.

One resident remembers the Luftwaffe's bombs hitting Birmingham and how the resulting fires lit up the night sky. There are also many people who remember the air-raid sirens giving many a family a sleepless night.

Bromsgrove was actually hit during the war when a bomb fell at Burcot, killing one person. Another bomb fell near the Park Gate at Dodford but fortunately it failed to explode.

Curatorial officer Karen says it was eye-opening to see how our town was affected by World War Two.

"Sixty years is not really that long ago but it is quite shocking to see how different life was and what people put up with. It is important we don't forget what they sacrificed," she said.

The exhibition, which was curated by Richard Jones, a pupil from North Bromsgrove High School, displays food from the war years, a selection of gas masks, including one that would have been used by a baby, and the stories of town residents.

Year 11 pupil Richard said: "The items I have chosen are to show a varied selection of familiar things found in a house during the war. I hope this display will spark off memories."

He added: "My favourite exhibit is the medical kit because it shows a selection of different items."

Karen said: "We have been pleased with the response we got to our request for war memories.

"One lady wrote in with her memories of rationing. Butter was the thing she missed most but things that we take for granted now, like shoes, were very hard to get hold of."

It was the time of 'make do and mend' and Bromsgrove residents used their initiative by putting cardboard in the soles of shoes when they had worn out.

By visiting the exhibition townsfolk can put themselves in the shoes of the generation who lived through the war, and appreciate the sacrifices they made for our freedom. The Birmingham Road museum is open from 10am-12.30pm and then again from 1- 4.30pm Monday to Saturday. The exhibition will be on show for the next couple of months. If you wish to share your World War Two memories ring Karen Spry on 01527 577983.