70th Anniversary of the Coventry Blitz
Between 13 and 20 of November 2010, Coventry Market will be travelling back to 1940 - to the days of powdered eggs, blackouts and an uncertain future!
It was all about 'community spirit' in 1940, and it's about community now, but this time it's the customers and traders all 'mucking in' to create a fitting tribute to one of the darkest moments in our recent history. Through the darkness, of course, there was lots of good humour, and Coventry Market will be trying to recreate that feeling throughout the week.
Councillor Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for City Development, said: "This is a great idea. It was a sad time for people who were living in Coventry, and in other parts of the country, at the time of the Blitz, but there was a great feeling of togetherness. Everyone helped each other to get through adversity and fight back, and this should be passed on from generation to generation."
There will be a book on display in the market, where people will be encouraged to add their blitz memories, so now is the time to get them sent in to the Manager's office at Coventry Market. Market Manager Brian Sexton said, "I am also hoping that maybe some of our customers who lived through the blitz might be able to stay and share their memories with younger customers and children. Maybe telling stories of the bombing of Coventry's previous markets, and why after all these years, they continue to shop here."
Anyone who can bring their original ration book or forces ID card to the market over the week will be given a free copy of the book 'Coventry Market, In A Round About Way'.
This promises to be a major event, with an Anderson shelter being built in the market and re-enactment groups coming in on both Saturdays. They will be representing the people who would have been in Coventry immediately after the blitz on the night of the 15 November 1940, and will include a bombed out washday display.