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Bentley Priory Museum Podcast.

Bentley Priory Museum Podcast.

By Bentley Priory Museum

Bentley Priory Museum tells one of the most important narratives of modern history – how the Battle of Britain was won.

Welcome to our podcast series - we hope you enjoy exploring the history of the site and hearing stories from those who worked at RAF Bentley Priory.

Series 2: Varied episodes focusing on different aspects of Bentley Priory’s history and collection.

Series 1: Produced alongside our NLHF project, Defending Britain From Nazi and Nuclear Threat, these episodes feature oral history interviews from personnel who worked in the WW2 and Cold War bunker at RAF Bentley Priory.
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Women in the Air Force Part 2 - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Bentley Priory Museum Podcast. Aug 17, 2021

00:00
14:58
Remembrance of War with artist Paul Joyce

Remembrance of War with artist Paul Joyce

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum Podcast. In this episode, Remembrance of War, we interview war artist Paul Joyce, to find out the inspiration behind his current temporary exhibition at Bentley Priory Museum.


The exhibition, Remembrance of War, is a collection of striking paintings by artist Paul Joyce, depicting scenes from World War Two.


The Bentley Priory Museum Podcast produced and hosted by: Alexander Collinson and Tim Kitching


Jan 19, 202429:57
Memoirs of the Blitz - Playing With Fire

Memoirs of the Blitz - Playing With Fire

Memoirs of the Blitz - Playing With Fire 

This episode focuses on the current temporary exhibition Memoirs of the Blitz at Bentley Priory Museum, we are joined by Curator Alexander Collinson who reflects on the project, while discussing with co-host Tim the changing landscape of the United kingdom due to the on going attacks throughout The Blitz and subsequent years. While also reflecting on the way children would play during the war. 

Memoirs of the Blitz is currently on display at Bentley Priory Museum until mid December 2022.

This podcast is hosted by: Alexander Collinson and Tim Kitching
Produced and edited by: Alexander Collinson


Nov 19, 202219:46
Memoirs of the Blitz - Life Under Shelter Part 2

Memoirs of the Blitz - Life Under Shelter Part 2

Memoirs of the Blitz - Life Under Shelter Part 2

This episode focuses on the current temporary exhibition Memoirs of the Blitz at Bentley Priory Museum, we are joined by Curator Alexander Collinson who reflects on the project, while discussing with co-host Tim what it was like to shelter from nightly air raids during the Second World War throughout the wider areas of the United Kingdom. 

Memoirs of the Blitz is currently on display at Bentley Priory Museum until mid December 2022.

This podcast is hosted by: Alexander Collinson and Tim Kitching
Produced and edited by: Alexander Collinson 

Oct 24, 202225:36
Memoirs of the Blitz - Life Under Shelter Part 1, The Battle of Britain and The Observer Corps.

Memoirs of the Blitz - Life Under Shelter Part 1, The Battle of Britain and The Observer Corps.

Memoirs of the Blitz - Life Under Shelter Part 1, The Battle of Britain and The Observer Corps. 

This episode focuses on the current temporary exhibition Memoirs of the Blitz at Bentley Priory Museum, we are joined by Curator Alexander Collinson who reflects on the project, while discussing what it was like to shelter from nightly air raids during the Second World War with a focus on the crossover between the Battle of Britain and The Blitz. 

We are also joined by John Shere a member of the Royal Observer Corps Heritage Association who gives us an insight into the roles the Observers would have been playing during the Battle of Britain and the nightly air raids throughout The Blitz. 

Memoirs of the Blitz is currently on display at Bentley Priory Museum until mid December 2022.

This podcast is hosted by: Alexander Collinson and Tim Kitching 

Produced and edited by: Alexander Collinson

Sep 27, 202234:14
Memoirs of the Blitz - Home away from home part 2

Memoirs of the Blitz - Home away from home part 2

Memoirs of the Blitz - Home away from home part 2

This episode focuses on the current temporary exhibition Memoirs of the Blitz at Bentley Priory Museum, we are joined by Curator Alexander Collinson who reflects on the project, while discussing what it was like to be an Evacuee during the Second World War. 

Memoirs of the Blitz is currently on display at Bentley Priory Museum until mid December 2022.

This podcast is hosted by: Tim Kitching
Produced by project volunteers: Alexander Collinson and Tim Kitching

Sep 05, 202220:56
Memoirs of the Blitz - Home away from home part 1

Memoirs of the Blitz - Home away from home part 1

Memoirs of the Blitz - Home away from home part 1 

This episode focuses on the current temporary exhibition Memoirs of the Blitz at Bentley Priory Museum, we are joined by Curator Alexander Collinson who reflects on the project, while discussing what it was like to be a refugee escaping the oppression of the Nazi party in Germany before the start of WWll. We also listen to oral testimony accounts of those who experienced this first hand. 

Memoirs of the Blitz is currently on display at Bentley Priory Museum until mid December 2022. 

This podcast is hosted by: Tim Kitching
Produced by project volunteers: Alexander Collinson and Tim Kitching


Aug 01, 202215:16
Sir John Soane's Bentley Priory with Natasha Brown

Sir John Soane's Bentley Priory with Natasha Brown

Sir John Soane's Bentley Priory with Natasha Brown

This special episode focuses on Sir John Soane's architecture and lasting legacy at Bentley Priory Museum, we are joined by Trustee Natasha Brown who had the opportunity to work on Bentley Priory's redevelopment, bringing her wealth of knowledge about Soane to the restoration of the building and consequently this interview. 

This podcast is hosted by: Tim Kitching
Produced by project volunteers: Alexander Collinson and Tim Kitching

Feb 18, 202229:29
The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain - This special episode focuses on The Battle of Britain, with a reflection back to the commemorative day at Bentley Priory Museum on the 18th of September, with guest Adrien from the 253 Squadron Living History Group https://www.wottmes.org/253-squadron Instagram @253squadronkenley along with host Alexander talking about his experience there, with a recording of the Spitfire flypast at the event.

We also have some reflections on the history of the Battle of Britain from both podcast volunteers Tim and Dave.

Be sure to follow @Memoirsoftheblitz on instagram to keep up to date with the new exhibition coming to Bentley Priory in 2022 by Host Alexander.

Nov 02, 202142:10
Reflections - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Reflections - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, Reflections -  Podcast volunteers Alex, Tim and Dave give us an overview of their experience as volunteers on the project and reflections on  the podcast series along with Chloe Marley the project coordinator who talks about her experience throughout the project  along with some of the highs and lows of curating an exhibition throughout a pandemic. 

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this National Lottery Heritage Funded project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the project and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers:  Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 

Sep 14, 202156:44
Women in the Air Force Part 2 - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Women in the Air Force Part 2 - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, Women in the Air Force Part 2 -  Podcast volunteer Tim gives us an overview of the changes in the Air Force and how women become integrated over time until becoming one with the RAF - We also have Oral histories from those who have worked and experienced these changes while working in the Air Force and at RAF Bentley Priory.  

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this National Lottery Heritage Funded project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the project and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers:  Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 

Aug 17, 202114:58
Women in the Air Force Part 1 -  WAAF, Flight Sergeant, Gladys Eva - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Women in the Air Force Part 1 - WAAF, Flight Sergeant, Gladys Eva - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, Women in the Air Force Part 1 -  WAAF, Flight Sergeant Gladys Eva: Podcast volunteer Dave reminisces on his interview with Flight Sergeant Gladys Eva back in 2020 as part of the Oral history project for the museum. 

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this National Lottery Heritage Funded project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the project and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers:  Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 
Music composed by: Alexander Collinson 

Jul 02, 202120:45
The Dowding System with Air Marshal Cliff Spink - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

The Dowding System with Air Marshal Cliff Spink - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, The Dowding System with Air Marshal Cliff Spink: Podcast volunteer Tim talks with Air Marshal Cliff Spink about the Dowding System which was developed at RAF Bentley Priory and played a pivotal role in the Second World War helping the RAF gain air superiority in the Battle Of Britain and how that invaluable system still upheld it's importance in the Cold War. 

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this National Lottery Heritage Funded project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the project and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers:  Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 

Jun 04, 202135:57
In Conversation with Jim Bee and Paul Smith - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

In Conversation with Jim Bee and Paul Smith - Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, In Conversation with Jim Bee and Paul Smith: We talk with former personnel who worked at  RAF Bentley Priory during the Cold War and learn about their experiences as they reminisce on the past and give a key insight into the role they played in defending Britain from Nazi & nuclear threat. 

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this National Lottery Heritage Funded project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the project and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers:  Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 

May 07, 202130:32
Eyes & Ears - The ROC, Part 3 - Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Eyes & Ears - The ROC, Part 3 - Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, Eyes & Ears -The ROC Part 3, we will conclude our three episode special focusing on the role that the Royal Observer Corps, at RAF Bentley Priory, played in defending Britain from Nazi & nuclear threat. Through a combination of first hand accounts supported by historical background we will build a picture of what life was like during the service of ROC members stationed at RAF Bentley Priory.

Key features of the podcast: 

  • We listen to oral histories from ROC personnel about their experiences of the bunker and life in the Royal Observer Corps at the bunker.  
  • We have an interview between podcast volunteer Tim and John Shere from the ROC Association Heritage Team.
  • A eulogy for the Royal Observer Corps read by podcast volunteer Eve.  

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this National Lottery Heritage Funded project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the project and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers: Eve Sladdin, Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 

Mar 31, 202115:06
Eyes & Ears - The ROC, Part 2 - Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Eyes & Ears - The ROC, Part 2 - Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, Eyes & Ears -The ROC, we will learn across three episodes about the role the Royal Observer Corps at RAF Bentley Priory played in defending Britain from Nazi & nuclear threat. Through a combination of first hand accounts supported by historical background we will build a picture of what life was like during the service of ROC members stationed at RAF Bentley Priory.

Key features of the podcast: 

  • We have a short background history of the ROC from podcast volunteer Tim 
  • We listen to oral histories from ROC personnel about their experiences of the bunker and life in the Royal Observer Corps at the bunker.  
  • Details from podcast volunteer Dave, talking about a stained glass window that features in the Museum. 

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this National Lottery Heritage Funded project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the project and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers: Eve Sladdin, Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 

Mar 04, 202113:16
Eyes & Ears - The ROC, Part 1 - Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Eyes & Ears - The ROC, Part 1 - Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, Eyes & Ears -The ROC, we will learn across three episodes about the role the Royal Observer Corps at RAF Bentley Priory played in defending Britain from Nazi & nuclear threat. Through a combination of first hand accounts supported by historical background we will build a picture of what life was like during the service of ROC members stationed at RAF Bentley Priory.

Key features of the podcast: 

  • We have a short background history of the ROC from project volunteer Tim 
  • We listen to oral histories from ROC personnel about their first experiences of the bunker 

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this National Lottery Heritage Funded project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the project and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers: Eve Sladdin, Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 

Feb 04, 202115:43
The Artist ( Angels Three Zero ) Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

The Artist ( Angels Three Zero ) Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Welcome to the Bentley Priory Museum - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat, podcast.

In this episode, The Artist ( Angels Three Zero),  We will be focussing on the painting Angels Three Zero by Douglas Chowns featuring the operations room at RAF Bentley Priory. We will hear from Dougie as he explains the mystery of two unidentified aircraft flying in British airspace during a time of increased international tension, learning about the important role of the secret bunker while also gaining an insight into the painting Angels Three Zero.

Please find a link to the picture here:
https://www.facebook.com/BentleyPrioryMuseum/photos/a.744452525586681/3774264472605456/?type=3

Key features of the podcast: 

  • We have a short Cold War history from project volunteer Tim 
  • We have a Audio Description of the painting
  • We listen to oral histories from Douglas Chowns 

This podcast series is unveiling the exciting stories of a top secret Battle of Britain and Cold War Bunker. Bentley Priory Museum is currently running this project to investigate the history of its underground bunker and how it was a vital tool for the RAF. 

For the first time a group of volunteers have been collecting oral histories from RAF, WAAF and ROC personnel who played key roles in the operation of Bentley Priory's Bunker. Join us as we share some of their untold stories.

For information about the Exhibition and Bentley Priory visit: https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk

This podcast is hosted and edited by: Alexander Collinson
Produced by project volunteers: Eve Sladdin, Tim Kitching, Alexander Collinson and Dave Considine. 

Dec 11, 202019:28
Intercept - Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Intercept - Bentley Priory - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat

Nov 26, 202021:20
Down The Hole - Bentley Priory  - Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat
Nov 06, 202018:40
Welcome to Bentley Priory -  Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat
Oct 02, 202011:21