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Dear Editor, Our World War II memories project needs your help.
The International Bomber Command Centre is the only place commemorating, by name, every life lost in service of the Command – 57,861 names in total. The average age of death for these volunteers was a mere 23.
In 2015 the project and the University of Lincoln started work on a digital archive collecting stories of all who were caught up in the bombing during the war; military and civilian, on both sides.
The archive has 250,000 items, including personal letters, diaries and photos and service documentation.
Importantly, the team has also recorded nearly 2000 interviews with people from around the world. All of these items will be made available through the project site, providing a completely free research resource.
We are interested in stories of those who perhaps supplied bomber stations with food, whose farms were turned into runways, or who visited RAF stations to stage entertainment, for example. We are also anxious to hear from those who were caught under the bombs, on both sides of the conflict.
Every surviving eyewitness has a vital story to tell future generations. They are vital to completing the picture of an era.
The archive is at internationalbcc.co.uk/history-archive/digital-archive/
Please email ibccarchive@lincoln.ac.uk if you or someone you know has a story and we will arrange for an interviewer to visit to record it. Nicky Van Der Drift, Chief executive, International Bomber Command Centre
Choose a better death Dear Editor,
I am writing to you to in a bid to encourage your readers to talk about death.
National healthcare charity Sue Ryder has found that when the people of Scotland were asked about the more light hearted aspects of how they would like to spend their last days on earth, they had very clear ideas.
Yet, when they were questioned about the real practicalities, very few of them had put plans in place or even begun to think about them.
Despite 91.9 per cent of people in Scotland knowing where they would like to spend their last day on earth and 86.9 per cent being able to name what their last meal would be, with a Chinese the clear favourite, only 3.8 per cent have made an advance care plan, which is a statement of preferences for end of life care.
Death is inevitable for each and every one of us. The period of time following the diagnosis of a terminal illness can be short, as well as incredibly emotional; we want to encourage people in Rutherglen not to leave it until then to start planning.
By taking the time to think about whether we would like to die in a hospice or at home, writing a will, setting up a lasting power of attorney or making an advance care plan; it is possible to plan for a better death.
If we let our loved ones know about our final wishes, being able to support us in fulfilling them can bring great comfort to friends and family towards the end of life and beyond.
Sue Ryder is calling on the people of Scotland to remove the stigma around the ‘D-word’ today, by starting a conversation with those close to them about how they would like their death to be.
Talking about and planning for death can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Sue Ryder has created a free guide called ‘A Better Death’, which covers some of the questions that you and your loved ones may have, some things you might want to think about and how you can plan for the death you want.
To download our guide, visit sueryder.org/thedword
Let’s plan for a better death together.
Heidi Travis, Chief executive, Sue Ryder Run for your life
Dear Editor, Whether you are a seasoned runner or a novice looking for a challenge, the Great Scottish Run may be for you! And what better than to join ‘Team Stroke’ and raise funds for the Stroke Association.
Taking place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September in Glasgow, you will be joining thousands of runners in the heart of the city to be cheered on by a mass of supporters. There are different runs to suit all ages and abilities including the toddler dash, junior run, family mile, 10K or half marathon.
When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Recovery is tough, but with the right treatment, specialist care and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.
By helping to raise awareness of stroke and raising funds, we can reach even more people who need us.
The Great Scottish Run is a memorable experience and we want you to share the excitement in accomplishing something for yourself and for so many others who need your support.
Kirsty Scott, Fundraising, Stroke Association in Scotland