This year marks 70 years since the City of Exeter sustained its worst air attack of the Second World War. On May 4th 1942 much of the central area of the city was destroyed after about 74 minutes. The effect of this was to change the city as never before and it is now a distant memory, but this tragic event was to transform Exeter. With the use of archive photos we can now view those dramatic times and obtain a greater understanding of the scale and aftermath of the bombing. Many archive images come from the Isca Historical Photographic Collection established in 1974 to protect Exeter's photographic heritage. Over the years help has been given many Exeter residents to support the Collection. It is now recognised as being of local, regional and national interest but sadly the City has not fully realised the value of its photographic history.
To promote the 70th Anniversary the most extensive visual presentation has been created by local author and photographer Peter Thomas which will include many images that may not have been seen before. The programme THE BOMBING OF EXETER has been specifically designed in four sections A. Pre-war Exeter B. The city's Air Raid Precautions C. The bombing of the city. This is followed by the clearing up of the city. A SHORT INTERMISSION is included to allow the audience to digest the full impact of Exeter's destruction.
PART TWO: Exeter rises from the ashes. Images will show the central townscape and how the citizens came together to celebrate !! Big military parades, dancing in the streets, bonfires etc and the uncovering of the ancient City archaeology. The programme has previously been shown to audiences of up to 500 people on a number of occasions at the Northcott Theatre and has been recognized as being one of the most emotive and stirring presentations to be seen on the city. It is accompanied by a personal narration by Peter Thomas who will also read extraordinary and harrowing accounts from survivors statements. These are taken from the original official wartime records that had not been seen for 50 years.
Date : Friday May 4th 7.30pm
Venue : THE EXETER CONFERENCE CENTRE, NORTHERNHAY STREET
EXETER
( Next to the THISTLE HOTEL , Queen Street)
Seating : Capacity of 300 Tickets : £6.50
Reservations : Seats may be reserved only 01392 677624
THIS MAY BE THE LAST TIME THIS PROGRAMME WILL BE SHOWN!