Local Author

Bedford historian Stuart Antrobus has written a new, well-illustrated local history Life in Bedford during the Second World War, published by Bedford Architectural, Archaeological and Local History Society [BAALHS].

This large-format paperback tells the story of how Bedfordians’ lives were affected by the dramatic upheaval of war between 1939 and 1945. Peppered with the voices and personal experiences of men, women and children who lived through this turbulent period, it captures the life-changing ways in which, while the armed forces fought around the world, people on the Home Front fought their own domestic war locally. The book is illustrated with over 80 photographs, some for the first time.

The author describes the unique impact on Bedford’s life of the presence of BBC radio’s music and religious affairs departments which brought national orchestras and leading musicians to the town, and the Daily Service broadcasts to the nation from St Paul’s Church, Bedford. Similarly, the friendly invasion of thousands of young American servicemen to the airfields of north Bedfordshire brought a new vitality to the lives of all, but especially to Bedford’s women!

On sale at £9 at The Eagle Bookshop, 16-20 St Peter’s Street, Bedford, MK40 2NN. Tel. 01234 269295; info@eaglebookshop.co.uk or by post, £11 (cheque payable to BAALHS) from Bob Ricketts, 68, Mendip Crescent, Bedford, MK41 9EP. Tel. 01234 313608.

Home Guard invasion exercise in Bedford, 6 September 1942

Bomb damage at the Grosvenor Hotel, Bedford, after German air raid, 23 July 1942

Sharnbrook House Care Home

is set in the picturesque village of Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire and we specialise in high-quality residential care. The team at Sharnbrook House are exceptional and wholly committed to providing the very best care. They are loving, caring, compassionate and have all been selected because they genuinely care and treat our residents with the respect and dignity that they deserve. Please call us on 01234 781294 to arrange a Virtual Viewing of Sharnbrook House to ensure you know it is the right home for you and your loved one. Or e-mail sharnbrook@greensleeves.org.uk for any other information or to request a brochure.

Sharnbrook House, High Street, Sharnbook, Bedfordshire MK44 1PB

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