Air Training Corps take part in Cross Country Run A.T.C. in Hard Test Forty-two members of the Bromley Squadron of the Air Training Corps took part in a cross-country run at Hayes [Bromley] on Sunday morning. It was organised by Flying Officer W.M. Ogden, who is in charge of the sports side. The course was a four-mile one, starting from the top of Station Hill by the fountain, then going across the Common to Croydon Road. along to the Fox at Keston and Leafy Grove then down the hill to…
Tag: Entertainment
Showing at the Odeon – January 1942
Birth of the Blues Birth of the Blues is a 1941 American musical film whose plot loosely follows the origins and breakthrough success of the Original Dixieland Jass Band. The film was first release in November 1941 and starred the legendary Bing Crosby, Mary Martin and Brian Donlevy. It was directed by Victor Schertzinger. It was well-received by critics on its release, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Cinemas, such as the Odeon, continued operating throughout the war years, and were no doubt a form…
Cinema Listings for Bromley in 1941
This advert for the cinemas of Bromley lists the top films being shown for the 6 days following Monday 27th October 1941. The Odeon’s top movie was ‘Billy the Kid’ – action in technicolor. The Regal in Beckenham however was showing ‘High Sierra’ and ‘Conga Swing’. The Gaumont in Bromley was showing ‘I Thank You’ and ‘Behind the News’ Splendid cinema, on Bromley Road was also showing ‘High Sierra’ and then ‘Facing the Music’ With the Rex cinema in Hayes, Kent also showing ‘Billy the Kid’ featuring Robert Taylor. Source:…
The T.W.E.R.P.S.: Spring edition
The T.W.E.R.P.S. were a local amateur concert party. who were in much demand during World War 2 to entertain the troops and other service personnel. I am unsure at present what their initials stood for, so if anyone has any information about them which they can share, that would be most appreciated. This feature appeared in the local newspaper in March 1941. The well-known Bromley concert party, the T.W.E.R.P.S. whose services in entertaining troops and other members of the Services are so much in demand, have, owing to war demands,…
Soldiers as “Can-Can” Dancers
Gunners of the Royal Artillery in South-east England, where they are running their own troupe of “can can dancers”
Exciting Wartime Football Matches
In spite of the war, there was plenty of football to watch and teams to support. This report appeared in the local newspapers reporting on a match between Bromley Police and the Royal Corps of Signals. Football Bromley Police v Royal Corps of Signals With the score 5-2 in their favour ten minutes from the end, it looked as if Bromley Police were going to have a comfortable victory over a team drawn from the Royal Corps of Signals at The Warren on Saturday. In those ten minutes,…
Disney’s Pinocchio comes to Bromley!
Disney’s Pinocchio comes to Bromley For Everyone – of every age! It’s easy to forget how old Disney’s Pinocchio actually is! This film listing for Bromley’s Gaumont cinema was published in September 1940 and lists if as Walt Disney’s full length feature film in technicolour. A great distraction for families living through World War 2, especially when the threat of bombing was common and so close by. Source:Bromley & District Times, September 1940
Coney Hall Fete, August 1940
This article, which featured in the Bromley & District Times on 9th August 1940, shows the carefree nature of life in Britain during World War Two. Less than a month later the London area was targetted by the Germans and the Blitz began. Throughout the year that followed (October 1940 – June 1941) 133 bombs and 1 parachute mine dropped in the Hayes and Coney hall area alone. Two Days’ Merriment at Sparrows Den The Mayor (Alderman R.W. Jeffs) was willing, but the donkey jibbed, Mr Keenor, chief organiser, uses…
Troop Entertainers wanted
The Bromley T.W.E.R.P.S. Concert Party was an amatuer group set up for the purpose of entertaining service personnel and giving public concerts to raise money for various wartime needs. The group performed at various locations including airfields, gun sites, the Woolwich Garrison Theatre and to the cadets at HMS Worcester – a training college for the Merchant Navy. This article featured in the Bromley & District Times newspaper on 9th August 1940. T.W.E.R.P.S. want recruits Bromley T.W.E.R.P.S. Concert Party have shortened their name somewhat to T.W.E.R.P.S. Varieties as being more representative of…
Places of recreation for soldiers in 1917
A BROMLEY EFFORT We hear on all hands of the splendid work done by Army Huts at the Front, and how much they are appreciated by our men. But it is not only abroad that these huts are needed. In our own county of Kent alone are number of men, some engaged in guarding our shores, others still in training: men of the Royal Navy, men from all parts of the United Kingdom, men of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, the Royal Flying Corps, and the Royal Naval Air Service. It…