A FAMILIAR face from television attracted a large audience to Bridport Town Hall.

Paul Atterbury, an expert on the Antiques Roadshow, shared anecdotes and memories of his connections with the BBC’s 1950s ‘Watch with Mother’ programmes as part of Bridport Heritage Forums ‘Rationing to Rock ‘n' Roll' exhibition.

He also gave insights into the development of some of the 1950s toys on show.

Members of the audience brought in childhood treasures and Paul spent time after his talk, to look at teddies, puppets and dolls – one of which was Bernard Montgomery – in full uniform with the famous black beret!

He spent the whole morning at the exhibition and was incredibly impressed with the scope and depth of the displays which he said captured the essence of the fifties, reflecting the lives and experiences of real people - which everyone could relate to.

Before he left, Paul was tempted, or maybe coerced, into sampling some of the ‘school dinner’ puddings which were available for tasting. . . however, tapioca and semolina, still remained a memory he would rather forget!

The exhibition, which ran for two weeks with close to 2,000 visitors, has now closed, but members of the Heritage Forum are already busy setting up their next community project.

A House and a Street through Time will start in mid-September, following an enthusiastic response to the project from over 40 local residents earlier in the year.

More details can be obtained at: sheilannmeaney@btinternet.com