Hi Everyone, Just to remind you that the Weekend at Debach Airfield will be starting on June 11th with our Hangar Dance - band wil be 'Sticky Wicket' at 7.30 pm. Sunday,June 12th, Open Day at the airfield (camping available). Lots to see & do. Any 40's style re-enactment groups most welcome. Ring 01473 737236 for more details or email me. Bye, Prilly

Prilly Taylor
Suffolk England
Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 16:32:30 (BST)

Just a reminder for you all that THIS Saturday 2nd April C&BLE are holding their Easter Swing Dance at Tempsford Village Hall just off the A1 north of Sandy. I shall be DJ'ing with guest spots from 'Pinball Paul' & 'Okay for Sound'. ee you all there! Toodle-oo Swingshift

Swingshift
Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 11:52:54 (BST)

Watch this space! A new revised version of the cc41 website will be ready within the next ten days and one new feature will be a copy of the latest Despatches 'online'. In future, new copies will be posted on this website at time of publication and don't forget to contact Nigel with your eMail address for direct Despatches! Here's to the next time...

Despatches
Somewhere in England
Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 16:21:52 (BST)

*** STOP PRESS *** There are a limited number of tickets available as a prelude to Stowe at War, with a special guest evening on "The Wartime Kitchen" with Marguerite Patten OBE. There will be wartime food and an opportunity to see see Stowe Gardens on a Summer evening on Friday 25th July. Arrive at 1930hrs for 2000hrs - this will be a great evening and places are limited. Tickets are £8.00 in advance only from The National Trust Stowe Gardens on 01280 822850. The following weekend sees the superb Stowe at War event. Drop in to see what Craig & Amanda have to say at http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/homefrontfriends Toodle pip

Bryan & Louise
Hampshire
Monday, March 28, 2005 at 23:24:26 (BST)

At last! I have been searching for a web site that actually informed visitors about the things and events that took place during WW2. Thanks, I shall be returning again and again for updates.

Ann
St Albans, Hertfordshire
Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 20:48:02 (BST)

I HAVE JUST FOUND YOUR SITE I THINK THAT IT IS GREAT. ONLY THE OTHER DAY I WAS TALKING WITH SOME FRIENDS AND WERE ONLY JUST SAYING ABOUT ALL THE THINGS WE HAD DURING THE WAR. WELL, THE CONVERSATION STARTED BY TALKING ABOUT THE OLD LIFEBOUY SOAP AND YOU GUESS WHAT ELSE CROPPED UP!

Irene Bishop < irenenoarman@yahoo.co.uk>
Blackpool, Lancashire
Monday, March 21, 2005 at 15:40:51 (GMT)

Jo, I'd recommend Eden Camp, N Yorks if you haven't already been - they usually have re-enactments on over the bank holiday. Their website's www.edencamp.co.uk. The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington also looks worth a visit - www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk. Have a good holida

Clare
Burnley, Lancs
Monday, March 21, 2005 at 07:52:41 (GMT)

EEk two posts in one day, but can anyone help? Desperately need to see a good clear photo of a WVS armband. Can anyone help? cheers ducks! Kate

Katie Spitfire

Hi Liz and Graham, try 'Blackout' in lower marsh street near Waterloo station in london. Lots of mens and womens clothing and not bad prices either, they also sell the nice side fastening ladies wide legged slacks in good modern sizes too. Call first to check their opening times though!

Kate
Somewhere in England
Monday, March 21, 2005 at 07:37:17 (GMT)

Hi Liz and Graham, try 'Blackout' in lower marsh street near Waterloo station in london. Lots of mens and womens clothing and not bad prices either, they also sell the nice side fastening ladies wide legged slacks in good modern sizes too. Call first to check their opening times though! Kate

Katie Spitfire
UK
Monday, March 21, 2005 at 07:17:34 (GMT)

Dear All, I have just purchased at a local car boot a spare parts roll dated 1943 by either GAT or CAT LTD being only a civilian re-enactor would someone let me know what it belongs to it has M 13 on the front. Thanks, Bev.

Beverley Retchless
Cambs. UK
Friday, March 18, 2005 at 19:15:05 (GMT)

We are looking for 1940's civilian clothing as we are interested in joining a Homefront 1940's group. What is the best and most reasonable place to buy mens and womens civilian clothing, as we are having difficulty. Many thanks Liz and Graham

Liz & Graham < piglet28266@yahoo.co.uk>
High Wycombe, Bucks
Friday, March 18, 2005 at 06:15:22 (GMT)

This is a great site. I really like the fact that you have children involved in the reenacting. We all need to keep them involved to keep the memory of "the greatest generation" alive. Do you know of any groups in the U.S. that do homefront impressions?

E Kraft < Kraft_gpd614@yahoo.com>
Grove, Oklahoma U.S.A
Sunday, March 13, 2005 at 14:30:45 (GMT)

I am looking for wartime re-enactors, props, locations to film for a forthcoming documentary - preferably in the East Anglian area. I saw some information about the Huntingdon museum and wondered if there are any contact details?

Christina Bellamy
Friday, March 11, 2005 at 17:21:29 (GMT)

Just to follow up on the note from 'Swingshift' - if anyone was there last year and heard the fantastic sets Chris played - the joint was jumpin' for hours on end. Don't miss a chance to see and hear this great DJ for free - you lucky people!! Thanks Twinwoods . . . see you there! TTFN

Bryan Webb
Hampshire
Friday, March 11, 2005 at 00:12:52 (GMT)

Hello All, Heres a date for your diary, June 11th & 12th. This is the 'Campaign' weekend at Twinwoods which was a great success last year with an array of military displays & guided 'War Walks'. This year promises to be even better! Lets just hope for good weather. On the Saturday night I shall be DJ'ing at the FREE dance for participants of the event, if you are not taking part in any of the displays but would like to attend you are more than welcome but will need tickets (which are also free). You can obtain these by contacting Lee Bowden via the First Allied Airborne website (see the links page on CC41). Remember entrance to the dance is FREE & generously being paid for by 'Twinwoods Events' as a thank you to re-enactors, so take advantage, how often do you get free tickets to a dance? Lets make it another night to remember! Toodle-oo!

Swingshift
Jitterbugville, Foxtrotshire Land of fine period music to dance to!
Friday, March 11, 2005 at 00:10:42 (GMT)

Hi Jo For a good listing of 1940's events throughout the year see www.40s.events.ukonline.co.uk/Calendar.htm Good hunting Tony

Tony Whaley
Pickering , North Yorkshire
Monday, March 07, 2005 at 15:49:30 (GMT)

Hi, I was wondering whether anyone knew of any events going on at the end of May over the bank holiday. We would be interested in events anywhere as we are looking to go away for a week and would like to plan the holiday around a wartime weekend. Thanks to anyone who can help. Jo

Jo Langham
Chatteris, Cambs
Wednesday, March 02, 2005 at 18:52:51 (GMT)

I am Chairman of a small group running a village museum in East Hendred now in Oxfordshire but before 1974 in Berkshire. We are staging an exhibition to illustrate remind the impact and results of changes brought about in rural communities during World War 2. Emphasis will be on the civilian side however part of the overall scene is the billeting of air force personnell in the village since Harwell (Chilton) Airfield was partly in our parish. You site has extended our ideas and there is just the offchance some one out there may have visited here at the time. As well as bombing raids, gliders etc other local aerodromes such as Grove were the centre of D Day events for many US forces. Personally I was away from home in the Navy!!!! Any good personal stories? John Stevenson

John Stevenson < JSteveHendred@aol.com>
East Hendred, Oxon
Tuesday, March 01, 2005 at 07:53:54 (GMT)

Quite agree with person about long-haired re-enactors.That is what is good about Homeguard re-enactment . . . 9 to 90 as I say, and you do not look out of place!

pillbox584
Biggleswade, Beds.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at 20:57:26 (GMT)

Hello Bryan. Just to tell you and all your guests that the Mid Norfolk Railway are holding the 1940s day at County School station near North Elmham Norfolk. This is the second year of this event - this year it is on one day only Sunday 24th April. There will be wartime fun and games, clothes stalls, military vehicles, re-enactors and there will be singing with Timescape Singers singing your favourite songs. You can contact me at arpbob1941@msn.com or phone 01842 765990.( Ps there will also be a boot sale)

Bob Moore
Thetford, Norfolk
Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 22:49:47 (GMT)

So good to hear there are other people out there having themed weddings. I'm having a 40s style wedding later this year - organising it has been the best fun ever!! Though, I am struggling to recommend places in the North West where friends can hire/buy suitable outfits. Anybody got any suggestions?

Andrea
Leicester,
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 08:39:34 (GMT)

Greetings and wow! Not only is the website fascinating, but this comments section is also great fun. I happened along while trying to find WWII-related websites and organizations to contact re my new book, "London's War--A Traveler's Guide to World War II." Yes, a Yank has had enough nerve to write about London in the war--and I only wish I'd had some of your great re-enactment photos to illustrate it. It's a walking guide (20 walks, lots of homefront details), and if anyone is interested, please contact me. Meanwhile, I'll longingly read about jitterbug dances and hairstyles, Utility furniture and great old cars...sigh...

Sayre Van Young
USA
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 08:38:06 (GMT)

hi Kate thanks for the advice, i will certainly give them a try. Brenda

Brenda
Hemel Hempstead,
Wednesday, February 09, 2005 at 06:14:04 (GMT)

Rachel, certainly we feel the same way! Thats why we like Bryans webiste so much!! Brenda, try the Victory cookbook by Marguerite Patten, full of tasty and interesting ideas for your wedding feast! Also read old postings to find Carrie Page listed on here, she had a spectacular 40s wedding and is something of an expert on the subject! Good luck! Kate Airborne 39-45 & The Home Front

Katie Spitfire
UK
Monday, February 07, 2005 at 18:45:37 (GMT)

Searching for reference points on the Home Front during WW2 I found you! What a super website and what commited people. It is so nice to see appropriate representations of living history. As an independant historical advisor and consultant to museums and film industry, I am appalled at the so called 'living history' presented by land 'girls' close to retirement age and 'active' servicemen (often enormous airborne soldiers with haircuts looking more like extras from The Good Life, than wartime Britain). It seems the railway wartime events are often the guilty parties - encouraging a ridiculous parade of fancy dress outfits, modern spectacles, incorrectly badged uniforms (how do the veterans feel I wonder?). Are there any standards or guidelines produced for re-enactors - if so, how can people get it so wrong? Are the guidelines published? I am interested in assembling a professional representation for VE and VJ celebrations this year for an umbrella group of museums. Appreciate any views from serious re-enactment groups. Thank you for restoring my faith in such an important part of our nation's heritage. Rachel

Rachel Ingleham
Clapham, London SW,
Monday, February 07, 2005 at 16:16:43 (GMT)

Hi. I've looked at your web site many times and think its fantastic. I went to a couple of wartime week-ends last year and had a great time. But now I need help, I'm getting married in September this year and having a wartime wedding, just wondered if anyone out there has any idea what to feed my guests? They are all getting into the swing of the clothes side and I have a couple of recipe books, but i would be grateful for any ideas. thanks - Brenda.

Brenda
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
Sunday, February 06, 2005 at 09:07:13 (GMT)

Hi there Lee. Seen your notes re: dance events. We don't really want to administer a listing or advertising page as this can become a full time activity, amending and checking details. There are lots of listings available and Nigel Bewley's 'Despatches' will soon be available as a downloadable file on this website. Watch this space and thanks for all your interest. If people want to send flyers directly to you, perhaps it might be useful to list your postal address for anyone who doesn't know where to find you. Best wishes,

Louise & Bryan
Hampshire
Monday, January 31, 2005 at 20:25:14 (GMT)

Katie - I know we have been down this road before but what is the chance of having a seperate pages dedicated to events dances etc. Also if any organisers of event would let me have a bundle of flyers for their events, we will be happy to put them out on our stall and include one with all mail orders

Lee Prescott
Dover, Kent
Monday, January 31, 2005 at 20:20:03 (GMT)

Just to let you know! The Friday and Saturday night bash will both be back on this year at Pickering! Tickets go on sale in July: For information please email me. Please note-No tickets available on the door! See you there for our Eighth year...... Kate x

Katie Spitfire < katiespitfire@hotmail.com>
Somewhere in England
Monday, January 24, 2005 at 14:04:12 (GMT)

Hi Chico here, Happy New Year to you all. Looking for Lindyhop,Jitterbug and Swing Jive videos to learn from. I do not wish to pay for full price videos. If you have no use for yours anymore please let me know. My feet are aching to do these steps!!! Many thanks, Chico

Chico White < johnwhite@bhsf.co.uk>
Tamworth, Staffordshire
Thursday, January 20, 2005 at 22:36:50 (GMT)

My Father, Tim Haines, commanded the Wraysbury, Bucks, Home Guard during WW2. At one time he comissioned from the late Tony Boyle (a professional cartoonist known as Hans) a call-out sheet for the Unit - who was to contact who, in the event of an emergency, and how - by phone, shouting across the fence, cycling there etc. It was wonderfully illustrated by Tony. At some stage, it went missing from the wall of the Command Post (on the road to Sunnymeads - Ousely Road?). I would hate to think that it vanished without a trace, and hope that someone treasures it now. The pictures of a parachutist descending on to a pitchfork, of a lady in a pink nightgown, and of a speeding cyclist were works of art!

Hatty Shinkle (nee Haines)
Conception Bay South, Canada
Thursday, January 20, 2005 at 22:33:59 (GMT)

THE SPITFIRES - due to unfortunate circumstances The Spitfires are currently seeking a male lead singer. We are a 1940's vocal group who sing hits from the 30's and 40's and I am told have a reasonable reputation! We have appeared at a variety of venues across the country (most recently the Glenn Miller festival at Twinwoods) and we do it for fun not fortune (although travel expenses and beer money are always covered). If you can genuinely sing and are interested in sharing a tent with 3 scantily clad women (I jest not) of a weekend then please contact penny@turner5302.freeserve.co.uk - genuine interest only please.

Penny Turner
Lincoln,
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 22:53:22 (GMT)

Date check - The Jitterbug Ball Saturday 21st May 2005 / The Glenn Miller Festival at Twinwoods Airfield 27th, 28th and 29th August - more later . . . .

Bryan Webb
Hampshire
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 18:48:45 (GMT)

Whilst we have our diaries open, tickets are on sale now for the Twelfth Annual Jitterbug Ball at the fantastic art deco ballroom at Hammersmith Town Hall. The Extraordinaires have prepared a unique 1940s show and will perform this exclusively for the Jitterbug Ball. The Opus One Big Band will be featuring a line-up of 22 top musicians for your enjoyment. Pre-ball dinner with champagne reception and live musical accompaniment (extremely limited places) and some of the best vintage clothing for sale on the night. More details from www.jitterbugball.com.

Bryan Webb
Hampshire
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 18:44:31 (GMT)

Katie I know we have been down this road before but what is the chance of having a seperate pages dedicated to events dances etc. Also if any organisers of event would let me have a bundle of flyers for their events, we will be happy to put them out on our stall and include one with all mail orders. Lee

Lee Prescott
Dover,
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 18:36:28 (GMT)

Just to let every one know, Dover is holding V.E. celebrations May 7th - 8th Reenactors, military vehicles individauls are all wellcome. 40's dance Saturday at the Kings Hall and 40's dance Sunday evening at the Town Hall this is a splended hall perfect for 40's events. There is a lot going on through out the week end to much to list for full information you can contact the V.E. committee secretary Neil Gardner on 01304-203171 or e.mail neil@ngardner5.wanadoo.co.uk he can advise accomadation and so on,ideal time to visit Hell Fire Corner underground tunnels etc. at Dover Castle

Jackie Prescott
Dover,
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 18:35:13 (GMT)

We have many exciting events planned for the coming year and early into Spring 2006. Nigel has a new edition of Despatches planned very shortly with all the diary dates we are aware of for this year. Don't forget the fantastic Trocadero 4 Carnival Ball on the 4th February in Wuppertal. Dress up in period costume and be prepared for suprises and a great evening! Tickets are limited and this is a chance to hear top vintage tunes from DJ Little Simon - more information from Frank & Katy at Swingstyle, you'll be made very welcome indeed by this friendly crowd. Also, we have had lots of requests for information on the Swiss weekender events this year - drop in to http://www.return2style.de/home_eus.htm for a review from Jill Benz. We hope to have some exciting news for you very soon with Jill's Cocktail Band playing some UK gigs. Jill and the boys create an authentic 1930s sound which we fell in love with at a previous Dames Don't Care weekend. Stylish and elegant weekends to lose yourself in the past today. That's all folks! Toodle pip

Louise and Bryan
Hampshire
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 14:59:22 (GMT)

Hi Brian & Lou A happy new year to you both. If you look on e-bay you will see a handknitted fairisle pullover for sale. Knitted by my wifes` fair hands. Please e-mail me for price. It fits up to a 38" chest. Bye David & Nanny.

David Johnson. If you look on e-bay you will see a handknitted fairisle pullover for sale. Knitted by my wifes` fair hands.Please e-mail me for price. It fits up to a 38" chest. Bye David & Nanny.

Norfolk
Sunday, January 16, 2005 at 19:02:17 (GMT)

This was a wonderful nostalgia trip! I grew up during ww2 and have been working for some time on a fictionalised account of it - but reality keeps breaking through and it's difficult to separate fact from fiction now. It's the same with "Dad's Army". All the trivia and bumbledom really did happen, but we must never forget that these were men prepared to fight and die for their country - and their families. You may like to have a look at my website, currently under development, www.wordsweb.co.uk, and read the first two items on the 'Writing' page. The first, "The Tin Box" recalls life in an Anderson Shelter and the second mentions a bus ride through the bombed streets of London. Congratulations on your site. It's excellent! These memories must not be allowed to fade into the dustbin of history! Regards, Arthur Loosley.

Arthur Loosley
Woodbridge, Suffolk
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 07:35:17 (GMT)

Hi to everyone, Happy new year, I have FOR SALE some 30's/40's pieces as follows if you know any friends or dealers that might be interested, that would be helpful. Two Art Deco 3piece suites one green excellent original condition, the other with original art deco fabric stunning and good condition. 3 display cabinets glass & wood, wardrobes and dressing table, wardrobe and tallboy,one cc41 bedside table fair, one cabinet with two doors and drawers below (ideal as tv cabinet) couple of dining room chairs, I am looking for quick sale hence low price 500 GBpounds the lot, i am in derbyshire and may be able to deliver, any help phone Mark on 07956 646503, thanks.

Mark
Measham, Derbyshire
Sunday, January 09, 2005 at 18:21:26 (GMT)

Hello, we need more ladies to staff our wartime Tea stand. you don't need full WVS uniform but good civilian clothing is a must. We have a full calendar of events for 2005 and need all hands to the tea urn! contact me via email toodle pip Kate

Katie
Somewhere in England...
Sunday, January 09, 2005 at 11:40:49 (GMT)

Just seen the entry from Chris Reynolds regarding his lovely wartime Ford. The car is an absolute peach and hopefully it will go to a good home so we can all continue to see it 'in action' for many years! Interested parties might like to look at the archive photographs at www.watercressline.co.uk where the car has played a number of roles over the years. It also appeared in the wartime mystery on London Weekend Television a couple of years ago.

Bryan Webb
Hampshire
Thursday, January 06, 2005 at 17:36:39 (GMT)

Hi All, The day has arrived that I hoped would never come, but unfortunately my beloved Ford must be sold. The details of the car are as follows: 1938 Model 62 Ford - VERY RARE Serious calls only please. Star or film and television productions, this is also an income generation for the owner of this vehicle. As used by the Police & Civillian services, such as the AFS, throughout WW2. This is the rarer later version of a great looking pre war British Ford. Between the beginning of 1938 & the start of WW2 this car was produced with a larger boot than the earlier version. I have been informed that this is one of only four or 5 remaining hence this is one off sale. For reference this is the car that the ever popular post war V8 Pilot was based on but is in my opinion much better to look at. Powered by a Flathead V8-60 it is a very practical 30's car, the interior is all original with bakelite window trims & leather seats. The underside of the car is in great condition but there is some minor repair work to be undertaken on the wings to make the body perfect. In general the exterior is tatty but respectable. This would make it perfect for painting in wartime service livery. Please contact me for any further information. If you miss this chance to buy a great piece of Ford history you will be waiting a very long time to find another one. I'd love it to go to someone with an interest in the period.

Chris Reynolds < christopher.reynolds@geodis.com>
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Thursday, January 06, 2005 at 17:31:26 (GMT)