Nidderdale Remembers WW2

Devised and Directed by

Carol Bailey and Joyce Liggins

At the Playhouse, Pateley Bridge, 8th - 13th July

An excellent factual compilation devised and directed by Joyce Liggins and Carol Bailey of archive photographs, letters and other records.   

We learnt of the three bombs dropped on The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate with the personal adventures of two youngsters.   Also of family life, rations, washing, shared recipes; some involving turnip.  Not a pleasant thought.

Through the young readers: Bertie Graham-Bell, Sophia Gray, Johathan Levy and Millie Reilly who spoke with confidence and clear delivery and the adults: Ruth Dodsworth, Joyce Liggins , Steve Hunt, Ben Derrick and Christine Ward we heard some gripping stories of everyday life and of some of the soldiers from the dale writing home from abroad. Some from the Far East.

We also saw the origins of Bewerley Park and the care of the evacuees from Hull, the most bombed city after London.

Although not bombed, Nidderdale was the unfortunate site of a number of aircraft crashes.   We heard accounts of incidents from some of the residents who went to help.  

This work deserves to be shown again in the future.  There is so much of interest for locals and visitors to enjoy.  Congratulations to all involved in the selection and presentation of the material.
 

Review by Ros Wade

Photographs by Chris Iredale