The 1940s at home.

On the week-end of 12^th /13^th April visitors to the Lincolnsfields Centre were taken back in time to England at war and peace in the 1940’s.

The Centre was the War-time Headquarters of the 8^th U.S. Army Air Force base and regularly over recent years has held events to celebrate this era.

As well as the large number of groups representing British, American and Australian military units in the main arena over 3,000 visitors were treated to the sight of German forces based “Behind Enemy Lines” in the wooded area of the site, many period vehicles and the sound of Fiona Harrison in the Forties Music Hall with accompanying jive dancing and the “Lindy Hop!”.

There were also lots of traders selling memorabilia, uniforms, period clothing and much more.

Add to this the N.A.AF.I. where spam fritters, home made bread pudding and rock cakes were available, this gave the public a real feeling of nostalgia!

There is also now a permanent Militaria collection on display and others also enjoyed rides round the site in a 1940’s D-Day weapons carrier.

There was a Mess Hall Dinner Dance on the Saturday evening that served traditional wartime food accompanied by dancing to the sounds of the 1940’s provided by D.J. “The Few” and cabaret with Fiona Harrison.

All those who attended had a wonderful evening and had the headaches to prove it the following day!!

The event attracted many V.I.P visitors, including the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, the Mayor and Mayoress of Hertsmere and there was even an autograph signing session with Pamela Cundell who played “Mrs. Fox” in “Dads Army”!

The event was also graced with Royalty in the personages of several London Pearly Kings & Queens.

The many loyal traders and re-enactors all agreed that this was the best and biggest show yet and look forward to many more in the future.

The success and high visitor numbers was reflected in the amount of money that was raised for the centre’s registered children’s charity.

For those unable to wait until the next show, a visit to the 1940’s House may be the answer.

The 1940’s house, together with the Militaria Collection, the History of Bushey Hall, the NAAFI café, a ‘40’s vehicle trip to a London blitz street scene and the Dig for Victory Garden are all open on the last Sunday of every month from 10.30.a.m. – 4.p.m.

The next large week-end event at the Centre will be the “Vehicle Extravaganza” being organised for the 27^th / 28^th September ’08.

Next open day is on Sunday 29^th June 2008, then the last Sunday of each month thereafter.

Details of all the Centre’s events are available on their website www.lincolnsfields.co.uk

This article was created on Thursday, 12th June 2008.

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Inside Watford Flea 32

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