1940's event's page

January 2008

February2008

March 2008

NAFFI BAR AND 0FFICERS CLUB at St.Bernadettes, Manchester Road, Whitefield, M45 8UT on the 28th March 2008, 7pm until late. 1940s dress code. Come and enjoy a dance, chat and a friendly atmosphere, everyone welcome and we look forward to meeting old and new friends. Food available. For details contact- Dog tag Paul & Wendy on 07709052501 or Jenny & Paul 0161 665 2123

April 2008

1940's Family Experience Weekend - 12th/13th April 2008. 10.30.am-6pm. Lincolnsfields Children's Centre,Bushey ,Herts.WD23 2ES.The latestthemed show at this centre which was originally the headquarters of USAAF Fighter Command in World War Two.
Living History Groups,Period re-enactors,Traders,Music Hall with Fiona Harrison,Civil & Military Vehicles,Battle re-enactments,N.A.A.F.I.,kiddies 1940,s Funfair, 40's Mess Hall Dinner Dance & Cabaret on the Saturday night.
Animals at War and "Behind Enemy Lines" displays,Militaria Display,Anderson Shelter and 1940s house.
Free Hot/Cold drinks Vouchers and discounted Dinner Dance Tickets PRE-BOOKED Renactors, traders and Living History Groups.
Contact Jayne Dilkes or Francis McLennan on 01923 233841. Plesae note this show is not to do with the forties family please can you click on this link to ask for a booking form we do not have any forms for this show at all. Thanks the forties family.  www.lincolnsfields.co.uk

COUNTY SCHOOL IN WARTIME The Mid-Norfolk Railway, Dereham Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF on Sunday 20th April 2008. Join us for an opportunity to experience and relive the home front and wartime Norfolk at the Mid-Norfolk Railway's wartime weekend at County School Station. A display of military vehicles and memorabilia, with wartime music by "Timescape". Trade stalls and special fun for the kids. (Please note: trains do not yet run to County School.) 9am - 4pm. Entrance £1, children free. Further details: tel. (01362) 690633 or email: info@mnr.org.uk

VICTORY IN EUROPE - 1940s Weekend. on Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th April 2008 sees the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire hold its ever popular 1940s weekend. Last years event saw a record number of visitors enjoying the exceptionally fine weather at what as become one of the biggest events on our railways calendar. This year event promises to be better than ever with the emphasis on what peace meant to thousands of families separated by war. Military vehicle displays, 1940s entertainers, V E Day Celebratory Shows, Military hospital displays. Home guard on parade, Military marching bands plus new for this year a Night time troop train special service bringing the boys back home with music and hot food at Cheddleton Station all this plus much more will all go to make this a date for your diary. Trains start from Cheddleton and Kingsley & Froghall Station from 10.00pm on both days. The Churnet Valley Railway is a 10.5 mile round trip standard gauge Heritage Steam Railway situated nr Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands ST13 7EE. For more details or re enactment and traders booking forms please contact Chris Fletcher on 01538 360522 or email chris.fletcher@churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk or visit the web site at: www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

May 2008

VE Day Event - 3, 4 and 5 May 2008

Weekend Highlights

Around 150 re-enactors both military and civilian will help you experience life as it was during World War II. Visit a 1940s general store, toy shop and kitchen. Experience an air raid and take cover in our shelter. Sing along to the classic songs of the 1940s with Tricia Dibb. Kids can make a gas mask, supervised by the Royal Gunpowder Mills Education Team. Take a Land Train guided tour of the Mills (subject to availability). Test your skill at the Airsoft shooting range. Shop for goods at our Traders stalls. Each day ends with a 'live firing' battle.

Grace Spitfire Display - Monday   Contact Les Hern  les@hearn549.freeserve.co.uk   http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com/events_may_a.htm

SOUTHERN AT WAR WEEKEND on the Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL, Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May 2008. Turn back the clock to the days of the Second World War, with soldiers, military vehicles, displays and even concert parties for you to enjoy. Further details tel: 01825 720800 or E-mail: info@bluebell-railway.co.uk

2008 BUNKER BASH organised by the The Essex Armour and Softskins at the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex on the 17th-18th May 2008. This is our 3rd Military Vehicle & Living History Show to be held at this unique Cold-War location. There will be a full range of military vehicles on display, from early Staff Cars and Softskin Vehicles to Post-War Armour. The show will open on both days with the Garrison Living History Group putting on a Firepower Display with their 25 pounder Field Gun & Full Gun Crew in the arena. The Garrison will also end the show each day with 5 rounds fired from the Field Gun. Other arena events will include a firepower display from Post-War Armour & Artillary and a chance for you to see some of the vehicles on display running around the arena with commentary. For more information or vehicle booking form please Email us at - bunkerbash@essex-armour-softskins.co.uk or visit our web site at: http://www.essex-armour-softskins.co.uk/ or telephone Ian 07971052195

WARTIME WEEKEND on the East Lancs Railway, Bury Bolton Street Station, Bolton, Street, BURY, Lancashire, BL9 0EY on the 24th, 25th & 26th May 2008. Further details contact: tel. 0161 764 7790

THE 5th HORNBY CASTLE MILITARY WEEKEND from the 30th May - 1st June 2008, South Cumbria and North Lancs. MVT. This is held in the beautiful surroundings of Hornby Castle, about 8 miles east of Lancaster on the A683. This is mostly '40s war time displays of vehicles, re-enactment and living history, but open to all aspects of history re-enactment, ancient and modern. Saturday evening band and dance in the hall, trips out, and access to the otherwise private castle. Contact Barry Marshall on 01524-734358 or email on majordisaster@fsmail.net

Join us and experience life in wartime Ensland in early 1944.
As troops prepare for the inasion of Hitler's Fortess Europe.
The museum will br transformed into a sleepy village near a
training area where allied troops were prepared for the airborne
landings in France on D-Day.The scene is set at one of uk rural
life centres. The Chiltern Open Air Museum.
Over 350 milatary and civilian living historians.
From which will bring the to life for the weeekend.
more info contact Lee Bowden @ www.faaa.co.uk or www.coam.org.uk

ANGELS FROM HEAVEN - 1940s weekend at the 95th Bomb Group Hospital Museum, Horham, Suffolk ( Directions on the website) on 31st May- 1st June 2008: a 1940s weekend to be held at this unique museum, the only complete WW2 USAAF hospital in the country. Why not come along and take part. It starts at 10am, camping available, all 1940s themes welcome. Bring your own supplies, it’s more real!! Let Steve know on 01353 624687 or through the website at www.95thbghospitalmuseum.co.uk

June 2008 

Edith weston 1940s show on the 7th & 8th of June. This show is becoming bigger every year and this years choosen charities are the Royal British Legion and We Are Macmillan cancer support. With full displays and battles going on. To find out more go to. www.edithwestonsteam.co.uk 

1940’S MINER’S GALA. The National Coal Mining Museuhttpem for England, Wakefield is hosting a 1940s Miners’ Gala on the 8th June 2008. A full range of 1940s activities and entertainment are planned for the gala, which will run from 10.00am – 5.00pm. Entry is free of charge. For further information please contact the Museum on 01924 848806 or email info@ncm.org.uk.

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY'S WW2 EVENT on Saturday June 14th and Sunday June 15th 2008 - at the Great Central Railway, Loughborough, Leicestershire. We expect to run a WW2 schools day on Friday June 13th 2008. Further information tel: the Special Event Hotline 08708 308298 or visit the web site at http://www.gcrailway.co.uk

MAIDEN NEWTON AT WAR 1940’s themed weekend. Maiden Newton is in West Dorset, England. We will be running a weekend of 1940’s themed events on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008. There will be a sing along dance on the Friday evening with various activities during Saturday and Sunday including the official opening with the sounding of an Air Raid Siren, exhibitions of memorabilia, local and trade stalls, children’s games (1940s style), WWII Re-enactor group skirmish and battle each day, street party, radio plays and many more 1940’s attractions and events. Saturday evening we will be hosting an open air concert with AJ’s Swing Band. We are encouraging our visitors to attend via public transport if possible, Maiden Newton is served by both bus and rail routes. Cost for the weekend are £5.00 for the Friday evening dance. £5.00 adult and £3.00 child per day for the main event including the battle. £10.00 for the open air concert on the Saturday Evening. For more information contact: andy_elliott@maidennewtonatwar.co.uk or visit our Web site www.maidennewtonatwar.co.uk

RENISHAW'S WARTIME WEEKEND (Just off Junction 30 of the M1) on 21st - 22nd June 2008, (preview day June 20th) Daily 10.30-16.00. Featuring Stalls - Clothing, Militaria. Civil and Military Re-enactors, Living History Groups, entertainment from the era, 1940's dance classes, Renes cafe, Licensed Bar and much much more. 'We'll Meet Again' Dinner and ENSA Concert Saturday night June 21st 1900. tickets £25 per person (Meal served in 'Renes cafe' Concert in the Courtyard) Concert only £5.00 per person - booking essential for both. Dress to impress! Admission for Re-enactors and stall holders is by prior agreement and with PASS only. Public attendance is £5.00 entry, £4.20 Concession (polish your glad rags and benefit from the discounted price of £3.00 entry to those arriving in 1940's attire) Please contact Angela Bywater info2@renishaw-hall.co.uk

MIDSUMMER 1940s at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire on 21-22 June 2008, 11am – 4.30pm, free admission (modest car parking fee applies, free pass to pre-registered participants). Organised by EventPlan on behalf of the National Trust, and evoking the home front during WWII. 1940s nostalgia with living history, entertainments, music and song, plus exhibition room detailing Clumber’s role in WWII. All Allied and civilian 1940s re-enactors, vehicle owners and enthusiasts are warmly invited. Please pre-register with EventPlan so we can forward full details. Please note, no German/Axis impressions so as to preserve the Home Front theme - thank you. A mini version of our popular 40s event at Rufford (see 16-17 August, below). Please click on www.eventplan.co.uk/Clumber08.htm for more information or call Howard of EventPlan on 01509 815645.

WAR ON THE LINE 1940’s event. Experience WW2 in Hampshire during the weekend of 21st & 22nd June 2008 at The Watercress Line, Alresford, Hampshire, England, SO24 9JG. Further details: Tel. 01962 733810 or e-mail: reservations@watercressline.co.uk or visit their web site at: www.watercressline.co.

1940’s POTTERIES AT WAR with the Foxfield Railway, Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge, ST11 9BG on the 28th & 29th June 2008. Further details: tel. 01782 396210 or 259667 or email: enquiries@foxfieldrailway.co.uk

july 2008 

OPERATION HOMEGUARD" Ingleton North Yorkshire, July 5th & 6th 2008. Military vehicles and re-enactors, trade stalls and side shows, street entertainment with Home Front Tommy, the Ovaltines, dance workshop, French can can girls, road run, Battle of Britain fly past (TBC), ENSA show with Dickie and Dennis. Sat night knees up at the Falls Cafe, Sunday Military band parade, afternoon tea dance and re-enactments throughout each day. Military camp free to MVT members Fri and Sat night with the help from military cadets. For more info call John or Elaine on 015242 41024 or email john.ward91@btinternet.com

OPERATION PITCHFORK, held at the Dirty Duck pub, Rutland, near Belvoir Castle on the 26th - 27th July 2008. Step back to Occupied Holland 1944. There is a battle both days, period stalls and a dance on Saturday night, all set in a picturesque setting along part of the disused Lincolnshire canal. Also enjoy leisurely walks and great food at the pub. A fun day for all the family. For allied re-enactors or vehicles contact Gary Bainbridge on Firstairborne44@aol.com and axis contact Martin Pike at W352ndadmin@hotmail.co.uk. For Civilian and none military camping enquirers, please contact Gary Matthews on 01664 561991 (evenings).

'WE'LL MEET AGAIN' at Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire, Nr RAF Coningsby. A 1940's Weekend Event on the 26th & 27th July 2008. A museum set within the original buildings, displays of 1940's memorabilia, military & vintage vehicles, re-enactors & ENSA entertains, food in the NAAFI, forties military & civilian stalls forties cooking demonstrations. Friday July 25th & Saturday 26th 19.30Hrs-24.00Hrs. Also, Jump Jive Swing & Stroll with the man himself 'Moggies Music Memorie's' at Coningsby Village Hall. Dress to impress 1940's or black tie. Bring your own drink and pay on the door £5. Contact: John C Haywood on 01673 849 393 or email spitfire24@lineone.net or Mike Hodgson on 01526 342 249 or email mjhodgson@lancfile.demon.co.uk or email Moggie at jivemoggie15@tiscali.co.uk

August 2008

 1940s WEEKEND At Stanhope  Railway, Weardale Co Durham the 2nd and 3rd August , There will be steam train and enertainment on the line between Stanhope and Wolsingham stations. Military vechicles, stalls, diorams, living history groups re-enactor are wanted Military and civilain period. Free camping to all exhibitors. 1940s dance on Saturday night, Tickets contact railway on 0845 6001348 all other enquiries email militaryvehicles@aol.com or call  01429275408

RAMSEY 1940s WEEKEND - Every year for one weekend in August, Ramsey takes a trip back in time as it returns to the 1940s to remember the sights and sounds of this historic era. This year will be no different and on the 16th & 17th August 2008, Ramsey will celebrate all things Forties. The highlight of this trip down memory lane is Saturday's 1940s dance, held in one of RAF Upwood's old aircraft hangars. There you can dance the night away to an authentic big band sound. Dance and Show ticket requests (cheques payable to 'The 40's Committe') and please enclose a SAE, to: Brian and Christine Cunningham, Bodsey House, Bodsey Toll Road, Ramsey, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE26 2XH. Further information write to the above or tel: 01487 710680 or email: enquiries@ramsey1940sweekend.info or visit the web site at http://www.ramsey1940sweekend.info/booking.html

ON THE HOME FRONT 1939-45 at Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire on 16-17 August 2008, 11am – 4.30pm, free admission (modest car parking fee applies, free pass to pre-registered participants). Plus Saturday evening dance. EventPlan’s second annual 40s event at Rufford, organised on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council. Living history; troops including Home Guard; vehicles: firemen; music, song and dance; entertainments, 40s traders and more. Daytime licensed restaurant. Saturday evening dance: A sell out last year and likely to be as popular in 2008! Enjoy music and dance in Rufford's double marquee with dance floor, with music from G.I. Jive and the Moonlight Serenaders. Modest entrance fee for 40s enthusiasts and other visitors (advance ticket purchase recommended) with free passes for all re-enactors/groups booked to perform set displays daytime and those bringing period vehicles. Saturday evening bar and 40s style snacks available. Camping area for pre-registered participants. Please note, except for Italian POW impressions (very welcome as they were present at Rufford), no German/Axis impressions at this event so as to preserve the Home Front theme - thank you. Please click on www.eventplan.co.uk/Rufford1940s08.htm for more information or call Howard of EventPlan on 01509 81564

1940s WEEKEND on the East Somerset Railway, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4QP, 23rd & 24th August 2008. Travel back in time to 1940s Britain. See the vintage vehicle rally with examples of civilian, military and agricultural vehicles of the time. Enjoy music from the period and browse the craft tents for locally made gifts and produce. Further details: tel: 01749 880417 or email: info@eastsomersetrailway.com

TWINWOOD FESTIVAL incorporating The Glenn Miller Festival Of Swing, Jazz & Jive on the 23rd, 24th & 25th August 2008 - Twinwood Airfield & Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire. Featuring: John Miller & his Orchestra, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Richard Atkins - The Vegas Years, Mike Sanchez, The Jive Aces, The Metrotones, Big Boy Bloater, Sticky Wicket & his Swing Band, Lola Lamour, Oceans Seven, Swing Commanders, Ooh-Bob-Sh’bam, Paul Ansell’s Number 9, Mark Keeley, Revolutionaires, Jive Romeros, Red Stripe Big Band, The Kremlinaires, with DJs and comperes: John Miller, Terry Elliott, Strolin’ Steve, and Chris Reynold’s Swing Shift. Other attractions include WWII Air Displays, Museums, Trade & Craft Stalls, Dance Lessons, Sprung Wooden Dance Floors, 2 Stages, Hangar Dances, & more! - This annual music festival is now in its 7th year, and within this time its reputation for being a unique and excellent event has spread globally. It is held at the stunning location of RAF Twinwood Airfield and Twinwood Arena, near Bedford, where Glenn Miller took his last flight. The emphasis is on non-stop, high quality music from many top Orchestras and artistes performing the great hits from the big band, swing and Jive era and for 2008 will also feature an additional brand new ‘50s stage which will add an exciting new element, whilst not taking anything away from what has earned this unique festival its reputation. - Excellent food and drink, good facilities, and campsites. Tickets available for any combination of day/s. Camping must be pre-booked, & discounts off all tickets when booked early. Website: www.twinwoodevents.com Tel: 01923 282725 Email: alice@twinwoodevents.com

1940'S WEEKEND ON THE STEAM RAIL at Wensleydale Rail. Northalerton the 29th, 30th & 31st August 2008. Re-enactors all welcome including Axis [No Gestapo] please. Civilian must be authentic. Stations for Axis, American and British plus Home Guard Stall's. Entertainment etc. on all stations. Friday night dance 1940/50 style; Saturday night dance 1940 Mix Tempo plus Swing. All enquiries to Col. A. Roberts at Sheffield Combine Operations tel: 01142 307531

 OCTOBER 2008

Life on the Holme Front   OCT, 3rd 4th 5th

ALL OUR YESTERDAYS on Fri Oct 3rd-Sun Oct 5th 2008 inclusive Sand Bay Holiday Village Kewstoke Nr Weston Super Mare. This is another version of our superb nostalgia show featuring The George Thorby Big Band playing the music of Glenn Miller and other great bands of yesteryear. Whilst mainly the 1940's and earlier this is a show with a difference because it features 50's hit maker Craig Douglas with musical arrangements all adapted to suit a Glenn Miller style band. Also appearing will be Just The Two Of Us & Chris Knott. There is over 3 and a half hours entertainment every night plus organised events by the entertainment team during the day. You also have use of all the sites facilities plus a good breakfast and evening meal from the menu in the restaurant. The price for the 3 days is £109.00. Details can be had by calling 01934 428200

November 2008

December 2008