Bristol Record Office news, exhibitions and events

News

Bravo Bristol! A song to rally the troops

Bristol Record Office marked Armistice week with the launch of a long-forgotten song which rallied local recruits during the First World War.

Bravo Bristol!, written by local lyricist Fred Weatherly and composer Ivor Novello, was rediscovered by BRO volunteer Clive Burlton during research into his family's history.

Clive and his volunteer colleague John Penny talked about the song on BBC Radio Bristol, which led to the song being recorded by the St George Singers, a 65-strong choir.

The Bravo Bristol! CD is available for a suggested donation of £3 at: 

• Bristol Record Office
• M Shed
• Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
• Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

All profits will benefit Help for Heroes and the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.

Current exhibition

Trenches to Trams: the life of George Pine, a Bristol Tommy
8 July to 14 January 2012

George Pine was one of four brothers from Easton, Bristol who all fought in the First World War. This exhibition brings to life the story of an ordinary Bristolian who experienced extraordinary times.

George's story has been researched by Clive Burlton, who discovered hundreds of photographs, objects and documents from public and private sources. Many of these are featured in the display alongside George's own written recollections, illustrating a vivid social and military history.

• 'Trenches to Trams', Clive Burlton's book on the life of George Pine, is published by Tangent Books. It is on sale at Bristol Record Office and M Shed, priced £14.99.
• George Pine’s First World War medals, his tram pouch and some photographs are also on display at M Shed.

New exhibition

Paul Stephenson: Memoirs of a Black Englishman
31 January to 21 April 2012

This exhibition marks the publication of the autobiography of Paul Stephenson OBE, one of the leading black civil rights activists of his generation.

Paul took part in the Bristol bus boycott of 1963, when the black community took on the Bristol Omnibus Company for refusing to employ black workers.

For Paul, this was the start of a lifetime dedicated to challenging prejudice and improving opportunities for young black people, particularly through sport, music and education. He has worked closely with many black role models to achieve this aim, including the boxer Muhammad Ali.

• The display includes materials collected through the Bristol Black Archives Partnership.