After several years of trying to find the right sound and style, Glenn Miller, a trombone player, became the well-known swing band leader of his time. In 1942 he decided to serve his country and was accepted into the army where he was promoted to Captain. As the B.B.C. used the Corn Exchange in
Bedford
for its musical concerts, he was billeted locally.
On December 15th 1944 Glenn, now promoted to Captain, departed from RAF Twinwood farm near Clapham. Bedfordshire, to prepare for a concert in the recently liberated
Paris
. The plane disappeared and neither wreckage nor Glenn's remains have ever been recovered, leading to many theories about what actually happened! A small museum is devoted to photographs, documents and letters as well as two juke boxes and various artefacts relating to his memory. Glenn Miller's music is still so evocative of that era. "In the Mood" ~ "String of Pearls" ~ "Moonlight Serenade" ~ "Little Brown Jug" ~ "Tuxedo Junction" ~ "Chattanooga Choo Choo" (His 1st Gold record).
 |
 |
From that area, a stairway led to the control tower used by the RAF, as Twinwood farm was used as a night training station. This has been recreated as it would have been during operations. In one of the Accommodation Blocks is housed
Britain
’s only wartime
Fire
Service
Museum
. Here is stored a massive collection of documents, photographs and books, as well as uniforms, equipment, a dormitory, watch room and a mess room. Comment was made that it looked as if the area was still in use.
The Twinwood Aviation Museum
- only founded in January 2003 by members with many years of experience of aviation archaeology and research - houses smaller items illustrating the more personal aspects of aviation history and the Home Front. When buried items are found, often a licence from the Ministry of Defence is required before it is evacuated from the site. As the members were conducted around by the small band of dedicated enthusiasts it was exciting to note that they were busy preparing further rooms to bring all aspects of life during WWII to the present and future generations. On enquiring, I was shown the only item they had from Rushden - a fragment of the bomb that landed on
Alfred
Street
School
.
The weather was kind, the different museums housed within easy walking distance - ending with welcoming refreshments. A nostalgic and educating evening visit on our own doorstep; it seemed so appropriate to be there on Friday July 4th!
