This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/8335594.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Cold War memories frozen in time Cold War memories frozen in time
(1 day later)
The online exhibition looks back at people's experiences before the Iron Curtain was liftedThe online exhibition looks back at people's experiences before the Iron Curtain was lifted
Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Britons are offering personal accounts of how the Cold War affected them, as part of an online exhibition.Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Britons are offering personal accounts of how the Cold War affected them, as part of an online exhibition.
Created by the Imperial War Museum, it brings to life the dilemmas people faced during those nervous days of stand-off between the Western and Eastern blocs.Created by the Imperial War Museum, it brings to life the dilemmas people faced during those nervous days of stand-off between the Western and Eastern blocs.
What Lies Beneath: British Experiences of the Cold War uses 20 personal stories to illustrate themes such as ideology, nuclear threat, science, espionage and the Iron Curtain.What Lies Beneath: British Experiences of the Cold War uses 20 personal stories to illustrate themes such as ideology, nuclear threat, science, espionage and the Iron Curtain.
Here, we give snapshots of a few:Here, we give snapshots of a few:
MASON REDFEARN, TRAWLER SKIPPERMASON REDFEARN, TRAWLER SKIPPER
A seemingly ordinary trawler-man who plied his trade in the icy Barents Sea, north of Scandinavia and Russia, Mason Redfearn's covert activities led to brushes with the Soviet navy.A seemingly ordinary trawler-man who plied his trade in the icy Barents Sea, north of Scandinavia and Russia, Mason Redfearn's covert activities led to brushes with the Soviet navy.
Born in Hull in 1935, Mr Redfearn joined the city's trawler fleet aged 15, working his way up from cook's assistant to skipper by 1961.Born in Hull in 1935, Mr Redfearn joined the city's trawler fleet aged 15, working his way up from cook's assistant to skipper by 1961.
It was after one of his regular fishing trips in 1963 that he was introduced to a British naval officer, known to him as Cdr Brookes.It was after one of his regular fishing trips in 1963 that he was introduced to a British naval officer, known to him as Cdr Brookes.
Mr Redfearn was sent for training in photography and warship recognitionMr Redfearn was sent for training in photography and warship recognition
"He said 'I know you go to the Barents Sea quite a lot. I would like you... to carry a camera for us and if you see anything... would you mind taking photographs'," Mr Redfearn recalls."He said 'I know you go to the Barents Sea quite a lot. I would like you... to carry a camera for us and if you see anything... would you mind taking photographs'," Mr Redfearn recalls.
Supplied with a camera and recognition book of ships' silhouettes, he was asked to photograph Soviet vessels "in the interest of helping his country".Supplied with a camera and recognition book of ships' silhouettes, he was asked to photograph Soviet vessels "in the interest of helping his country".
Cdr Brookes collected the films at the end of each trip.Cdr Brookes collected the films at the end of each trip.
At times, Mr Redfearn got very close to Soviet vessels and their crew.At times, Mr Redfearn got very close to Soviet vessels and their crew.
"Sometimes they were all out watching me as I was watching them, but I never let them see that I had a camera," he remembers."Sometimes they were all out watching me as I was watching them, but I never let them see that I had a camera," he remembers.
Cdr Brookes instructed Mr Redfearn to get rid of his camera in a weighted bag if his trawler was ever boarded.Cdr Brookes instructed Mr Redfearn to get rid of his camera in a weighted bag if his trawler was ever boarded.
It never happened but he does remember a few nerve-racking experiences, including one when a Soviet destroyer came very close to his trawler and started firing.It never happened but he does remember a few nerve-racking experiences, including one when a Soviet destroyer came very close to his trawler and started firing.
He was relieved to discover it was just carrying out target practice.He was relieved to discover it was just carrying out target practice.
In the early 1970s, without explanation, Cdr Brookes stopped his visits. Mr Redfearn carried on taking photographs until his film ran out.In the early 1970s, without explanation, Cdr Brookes stopped his visits. Mr Redfearn carried on taking photographs until his film ran out.
"I am still left with the camera and the book of silhouettes and that was it," he says."I am still left with the camera and the book of silhouettes and that was it," he says.
ALEXEI SAYLE, LEFT-WING COMEDIANALEXEI SAYLE, LEFT-WING COMEDIAN
Television audiences recognise Alexei Sayle as the star of anarchic comedies like the Comic Strip or The Young Ones, and from his off-the-wall sketch shows.Television audiences recognise Alexei Sayle as the star of anarchic comedies like the Comic Strip or The Young Ones, and from his off-the-wall sketch shows.
However, as a young man in Liverpool he was more readily associated with the Communist Party.However, as a young man in Liverpool he was more readily associated with the Communist Party.
Born in 1952, his immersion in left-wing politics began with an unusual upbringing at the hands of parents who were strongly committed to communist ideology.Born in 1952, his immersion in left-wing politics began with an unusual upbringing at the hands of parents who were strongly committed to communist ideology.
Sayle's comedy was often political, as with radio show Lenin of the RoversSayle's comedy was often political, as with radio show Lenin of the Rovers
"It was a bit like having Radio Moscow on all the time. If you bought a Superman comic they would say... it [was] capitalist propaganda," he recalls."It was a bit like having Radio Moscow on all the time. If you bought a Superman comic they would say... it [was] capitalist propaganda," he recalls.
His father's job in the railways afforded them free travel beyond the Iron Curtain to the borders of the Soviet Union.His father's job in the railways afforded them free travel beyond the Iron Curtain to the borders of the Soviet Union.
Young Alexei found Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria very different from the West.Young Alexei found Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria very different from the West.
"There was no advertising and what packaging there was, was often done in this just very extraordinary alien style," he says."There was no advertising and what packaging there was, was often done in this just very extraordinary alien style," he says.
"Of course, there was only one of everything. So there would be toothpaste, pen, shoe. That was very striking.""Of course, there was only one of everything. So there would be toothpaste, pen, shoe. That was very striking."
At a time when few westerners could visit Eastern Europe, to Mr Sayle, conventional holidays sounded exotic: "Two weeks in Blackpool? Wow man, that's weird. I had no experience of that."At a time when few westerners could visit Eastern Europe, to Mr Sayle, conventional holidays sounded exotic: "Two weeks in Blackpool? Wow man, that's weird. I had no experience of that."
Around the age of 15, he joined the Young Communist League and later signed up to a Maoist organisation. By the mid-1970s, he was no longer active in left-wing politics.Around the age of 15, he joined the Young Communist League and later signed up to a Maoist organisation. By the mid-1970s, he was no longer active in left-wing politics.
However, he adds: "I still would adhere to those philosophical and economic ideas of Marxism that I got when I was 16."However, he adds: "I still would adhere to those philosophical and economic ideas of Marxism that I got when I was 16."
SIR KENNETH ADAM, FILM SET DESIGNERSIR KENNETH ADAM, FILM SET DESIGNER
Best known for designing the sets for James Bond classics including Dr No, Goldfinger and Moonraker, Sir Kenneth Adam's "War Room" in Dr Strangelove is an enduring Cold War image.Best known for designing the sets for James Bond classics including Dr No, Goldfinger and Moonraker, Sir Kenneth Adam's "War Room" in Dr Strangelove is an enduring Cold War image.
He had arrived in Britain aged 13 in 1934 when his Jewish family abandoned their native Berlin after the Nazis took power in Germany.He had arrived in Britain aged 13 in 1934 when his Jewish family abandoned their native Berlin after the Nazis took power in Germany.
When World War II broke out, Sir Kenneth was studying architecture in London. He designed air raid shelters, so avoiding internment with many other German Jewish refugees.When World War II broke out, Sir Kenneth was studying architecture in London. He designed air raid shelters, so avoiding internment with many other German Jewish refugees.
He later joined the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, which gave logistical backing to the Army, before serving as an RAF fighter pilot.He later joined the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, which gave logistical backing to the Army, before serving as an RAF fighter pilot.
Sir Kenneth sketched out designs for the War Room, which US President Ronald Reagan became convinced existedSir Kenneth sketched out designs for the War Room, which US President Ronald Reagan became convinced existed
After the war, he got a job with a production company and went on to design sets which housed the spies, villains and megalomaniacs of the James Bond series.After the war, he got a job with a production company and went on to design sets which housed the spies, villains and megalomaniacs of the James Bond series.
But it was his work on Stanley Kubrick's Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb that best represented the Cold War era.But it was his work on Stanley Kubrick's Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb that best represented the Cold War era.
He believes the film's humorous approach to nuclear annihilation was "the only way... to sell it to the audience".He believes the film's humorous approach to nuclear annihilation was "the only way... to sell it to the audience".
"You can't do a film about the destruction of the world, unless you do it the way we did as a black comedy, I think. It was too horrifying," he says."You can't do a film about the destruction of the world, unless you do it the way we did as a black comedy, I think. It was too horrifying," he says.
However, he admits the film was still "very frightening in many ways, even though we made fun of it all the time".However, he admits the film was still "very frightening in many ways, even though we made fun of it all the time".
During its production, life was imitating art: "It was during the Cuban Missile Crisis [when, in 1962, the US confronted the Soviet Union over its nuclear weapons on the island]. We were really scared."During its production, life was imitating art: "It was during the Cuban Missile Crisis [when, in 1962, the US confronted the Soviet Union over its nuclear weapons on the island]. We were really scared."
One of his best known sets for Dr Strangelove was the "War Room". It was so realistic that former US President Ronald Reagan asked to see the room when he was being shown around the White House.One of his best known sets for Dr Strangelove was the "War Room". It was so realistic that former US President Ronald Reagan asked to see the room when he was being shown around the White House.
"He really believed there was such a thing," says Sir Kenneth."He really believed there was such a thing," says Sir Kenneth.
PETER KENNARD, ARTIST AND ANTI-NUCLEAR PROTESTERPETER KENNARD, ARTIST AND ANTI-NUCLEAR PROTESTER
Much of Peter Kennard's work over two decades was focused around anti-war themes.Much of Peter Kennard's work over two decades was focused around anti-war themes.
Notably, his images were used by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) during its 1980s protests against the development of cruise missiles.Notably, his images were used by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) during its 1980s protests against the development of cruise missiles.
Born in London in 1949, his strong beliefs developed during anti-Vietnam War demonstrations he took part in while studying at the Slade School of Fine Art.Born in London in 1949, his strong beliefs developed during anti-Vietnam War demonstrations he took part in while studying at the Slade School of Fine Art.
Mr Kennard expressed his views without joining political groupsMr Kennard expressed his views without joining political groups
There, he began creating photomontages.There, he began creating photomontages.
"When you get involved in political things, photography becomes more important," he explains."When you get involved in political things, photography becomes more important," he explains.
Mr Kennard created posters - unpaid - for CND because he wanted to challenge the way Cold War images had become "acceptable" in popular culture, such as a best-selling poster of a mushroom cloud.Mr Kennard created posters - unpaid - for CND because he wanted to challenge the way Cold War images had become "acceptable" in popular culture, such as a best-selling poster of a mushroom cloud.
"I wanted to make a resource for anti-war protestors... [and] also trigger off anti-war feelings in people or trigger off thinking about it," he says."I wanted to make a resource for anti-war protestors... [and] also trigger off anti-war feelings in people or trigger off thinking about it," he says.
"I have been accused of making propaganda but I don't believe it's propaganda. I just try and show what's actually going on.""I have been accused of making propaganda but I don't believe it's propaganda. I just try and show what's actually going on."
Although he believes artists with strong political views should express them through their work, he never wanted to "get involved in the mechanics" of CND and so never joined.Although he believes artists with strong political views should express them through their work, he never wanted to "get involved in the mechanics" of CND and so never joined.
RICHARD TREMAYNE-SMITH, ROCKET ENGINEERRICHARD TREMAYNE-SMITH, ROCKET ENGINEER
As an engineer on UK rocket programmes, Richard Tremayne-Smith experienced the "space race" first-hand before taking up senior roles at the British National Space Centre.As an engineer on UK rocket programmes, Richard Tremayne-Smith experienced the "space race" first-hand before taking up senior roles at the British National Space Centre.
Born in 1949, he fed a hunger for science by plastering the walls of his bedroom in Aldershot, Hampshire, with posters about space travel.Born in 1949, he fed a hunger for science by plastering the walls of his bedroom in Aldershot, Hampshire, with posters about space travel.
"There were grand designs of how astronauts might look," recalls Mr Tremayne-Smith."There were grand designs of how astronauts might look," recalls Mr Tremayne-Smith.
Mr Tremayne-Smith found Soviet space technology "basic"Mr Tremayne-Smith found Soviet space technology "basic"
In 1965, he started a six-year apprenticeship at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough, Hampshire. He saw massive strides in technology as the Soviet Union and US led the space race.In 1965, he started a six-year apprenticeship at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough, Hampshire. He saw massive strides in technology as the Soviet Union and US led the space race.
"In the early days it was still full of optimism and there were a lot of interesting projects," he says."In the early days it was still full of optimism and there were a lot of interesting projects," he says.
"Everyone in the Civil Service had to sign the Official Secrets Act but, being at RAE, there were extra talks about being approached by people with strange accents at the local bus stop.""Everyone in the Civil Service had to sign the Official Secrets Act but, being at RAE, there were extra talks about being approached by people with strange accents at the local bus stop."
While the world was gripped by the moon landing in 1969, Mr Tremayne-Smith believes it was done for the wrong reasons - "too much for prestige or to beat the Russians".While the world was gripped by the moon landing in 1969, Mr Tremayne-Smith believes it was done for the wrong reasons - "too much for prestige or to beat the Russians".
Britain's achievements were modest in comparison. In 1971, it launched the Prospero satellite on the Black Arrow rocket but the programme was cancelled.Britain's achievements were modest in comparison. In 1971, it launched the Prospero satellite on the Black Arrow rocket but the programme was cancelled.
Mr Tremayne-Smith says: "[There] was a desire to be independent but... could we really afford to develop as well as maintain and support this independently?"Mr Tremayne-Smith says: "[There] was a desire to be independent but... could we really afford to develop as well as maintain and support this independently?"
Developing rockets was considered important by all Cold War nations because of their military applications, he says.Developing rockets was considered important by all Cold War nations because of their military applications, he says.
And while at times it looked as if the Soviets were winning the race, Mr Tremayne-Smith says: "They weren't because they were using such basic technology."And while at times it looked as if the Soviets were winning the race, Mr Tremayne-Smith says: "They weren't because they were using such basic technology."
MARIE-LYSE CANTACUZINO RUHEMANN, COLD WAR REFUGEEMARIE-LYSE CANTACUZINO RUHEMANN, COLD WAR REFUGEE
Marie-Lyse Cantacuzino Ruhemann's family were separated by the Iron Curtain and - having been sent to Britain as a child - she later gave refuge to fellow Romanians fleeing communism.Marie-Lyse Cantacuzino Ruhemann's family were separated by the Iron Curtain and - having been sent to Britain as a child - she later gave refuge to fellow Romanians fleeing communism.
She had been born in Bucharest in 1931 but, while it initially seemed Romania would remain neutral during the Second World War, by March 1940 her parents had decided it would be safer for her mother to take her abroad. She had been born in Bucharest in 1931 but, while it initially seemed Romania would remain neutral during World War II, by March 1940 her parents had decided it would be safer for her mother to take her abroad.
Her father stayed to run his architectural business in Bucharest and, after the Iron Curtain descended across Europe, tried to escape by boat to Istanbul in March 1948.Her father stayed to run his architectural business in Bucharest and, after the Iron Curtain descended across Europe, tried to escape by boat to Istanbul in March 1948.
Ceausescu's communist regime came to an end with a popular uprisingCeausescu's communist regime came to an end with a popular uprising
He was arrested and spent five years in two notoriously brutal prisons, Jilava and Aiud, from which many - including one of Ms Ruhemann's uncles - did not return.He was arrested and spent five years in two notoriously brutal prisons, Jilava and Aiud, from which many - including one of Ms Ruhemann's uncles - did not return.
Ms Ruhemann did not hear from him until his release, when he was re-arrested and sent to work in the Danube Canal Penal Colony where hundreds died of ill-treatment and exhaustion.Ms Ruhemann did not hear from him until his release, when he was re-arrested and sent to work in the Danube Canal Penal Colony where hundreds died of ill-treatment and exhaustion.
She believes the communist regime targeted her father because he came from an old aristocratic Romanian family and had family living in the West.She believes the communist regime targeted her father because he came from an old aristocratic Romanian family and had family living in the West.
"After that he was very wary because anything to do with the West could put him in [prison] again.""After that he was very wary because anything to do with the West could put him in [prison] again."
Despite being smuggled out of jail by British diplomats, her father died in 1960 without ever seeing his family again.Despite being smuggled out of jail by British diplomats, her father died in 1960 without ever seeing his family again.
Another uncle was imprisoned once for trying to flee the country, then jailed for a further nine years after telling someone at a birthday party he had listened to a BBC broadcast.Another uncle was imprisoned once for trying to flee the country, then jailed for a further nine years after telling someone at a birthday party he had listened to a BBC broadcast.
His family came to Britain in 1964 after friends in the West paid the Romanian government through an intermediary. Others would also seek refuge at Ms Ruhemann's London home.His family came to Britain in 1964 after friends in the West paid the Romanian government through an intermediary. Others would also seek refuge at Ms Ruhemann's London home.
"On and off I had quite a lot of people staying. Some were on the way to Canada.""On and off I had quite a lot of people staying. Some were on the way to Canada."
Communism came to a violent end in Romania, when a popular uprising in 1989 saw oppressive leader Nicolae Ceausescu tried and shot for crimes against the state.Communism came to a violent end in Romania, when a popular uprising in 1989 saw oppressive leader Nicolae Ceausescu tried and shot for crimes against the state.
"I think it was partly because he was so awful that they were afraid he might... start all over again," adds Ms Ruhemann."I think it was partly because he was so awful that they were afraid he might... start all over again," adds Ms Ruhemann.