World War Two

WORLD WAR II
Exhibitions and Events for 2005

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of WORLD WAR II a range of exhibitions and events for all generations have been co-ordinated by a partnership of Berkshire organisations. Follow a WWII Children's Trail round the participating venues collecting stickers. Attend three venues between 17 October and 27 November to win badges and a certificate. Details available at each venue from 17 October.

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Reading Museum Service

www.readingmuseum.org.uk

Exhibitions and events at the Museum of Reading and Town Hall

13 August - 4 December
Reading 1945. An exhibition of photographs of Reading people at the end of World War II

24 October - 'Raids Rations and Rubble!' Take yourself back in time – dress up in 1940s clothes and experience the dangers of home life during World War II. 10.30 – 11.30 & 12.30 – 1.30 & 1.30 – 2.30.For families. Free, but book in advance - phone (0118) 939 9800

27 October - 'Commonwealth Contributions'. Join CREW for their fun workshops exploring the contribution of soldiers from the Commonwealth in WW2. Part of Black History Month. For families. 10.30 – 11.30 & 1.00 – 2.00 & 2.30 – 3.30. Free, but book in advance - (0118) 939 9800

3 November, 7pm
Michael Morpurgo, Children's Laureate. The famous children's author will talk about stories on a World War II theme at the Concert Hall. (In collaboration with the Berkshire Education Library Service). £2.50 for adults, free for children

9 November, 1.00pm. Lunchtime Talk - Reading at War. Discover what life was like during the Second World War through photographs of Reading people in 1945, with curator Matthew Williams. For adults. Drop-in, no need to book. Free

11 November 10-12.30 AND 1.30-4.00
Two special Tea Dances in the Concert Hall with Peter Pathfinder's 1940s show starring Natalie Ellis as 'Our Forces Sweetheart'. Free tickets from Age Concern (0118 959 4242) or Royal British Legion (0118 976 1551).

For further details contact: 0118 939 9800, events@readingmuseum.org.uk
Opening times: Tue-Sat 10.00-4.00, Sun 11.00-4.00. Closed Mondays except half-term and bank holidays. Free entrance

Museum of English Rural Life (University of Reading)

www.merl.org.uk

Exhibition and events at the newly opened museum, library and archive on Redlands Road (opposite the Royal Berkshire Hospital)

31 July - December
Dig for Victory: the 'Forgotten Army'. A photographic exhibition about wartime life in the countryside, focusing on the efforts of Land Girls, evacuees and Prisoners of War to feed the nation
26 - 28 October FREE Half-term activities for all ages, 10-4.30, limited places

'Join the Women's Land Army' Make your own armband, learn to milk cows with a dummy udder! (Wed-Fri, 26-28 October)

'Plant for Victory!' Plant seeds for Victory! Take home your own plant. (Wed-Fri, 26-28 October).

For further details contact: 0118 378 8660, merl@reading.ac.uk
Opening times: Tue-Fri 10.00-4.30, Sat & Sun 2.00-4.30. Free entrance.

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Museum

www.rememuseum.org.uk

Exhibitions and events at the museum in Arborfield.

15 August - December
Wartime exhibitions from the REME archives

26 - 28 October
Tuff Trucks. Half-term activities
20 November
The Blitz. Series of sketches, demonstrations and re-enactments featuring the Blackout Brigade

For further details contact: 0118 976 3375, education@rememuseum.org.uk
Opening times: Mon-Thur 9.00-4.30, Fri 9.00-4.00, Sat - closed, Sun 11.00-4.00

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leis-heritage.htm

Events at various locations in Bracknell

October
Reminiscence work with community groups
11 November
A small exhibition at each of Bracknell Forest's libraries to share memories of life during the War, with an opportunity to make contributions.
26 November
The Memory Tree. A tree will be planted to commemorate the end of WWII and then subsequently dressed with memories and thoughts. There will be associated exhibitions and art activities.

For further details contact: 01344 351754, heritage@bracknell-forest.gov.uk