The 1940s Society

For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Issue 87 September / October 2014 £3.00

CC41 Utility Clothing Mike Brown launches New Book

Cyril Stapleton by Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie”

Barry the Warden A re-enactors view of ARP

Diary Events And much more...

The 1940’s Society, 90 Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX Tel: 01732 452505 Web: www.1940.co.uk Email: [email protected] Cover photos from CC41 Utility Clothing by Mike Brown

1 Changing Seasons The 1940s Society For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain I was slightly disappointed the other evening when I looked out of the window and noticed it a little darker than I expected. The sun was low and a passing car had already switched on its headlights – a sure sign Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks that summer has gone and we have crept into autumn. How fast the seasons change. Friday 26 September 2014 - 8pm

There have been so many good events and alas, I haven’t been able to get to them all. However it’s been a delight to meet so many members Army Bomb Disposal in the at events and have the chance to chat. Email is a fantastic way to communicate but it was really nice to catch up with members that I’ve only ever spoken to via the web. Second World War I’m busy sorting out our programme for 2015 so if you have any An illustrated lecture by Susan Hudson thoughts or suggestions then please do drop me a line. I’m very Bombs come in a multitude of types with different purposes. pleased with the fascinating and informative speakers we have From bombs dropped by aeroplane, to landmines and booby managed to book this year but if you have any suggestions then please traps they are all designed to inflict serious injury or death. Many are even designed specifically to kill those who are sent let me know. to make them safe.

Normally, we would have just two meetings left. 26 September (Bomb Whilst fighting a war is never a ‘safe’ occupation, Bomb Disposal) and 28 November (V1s & V2s) but I can announce another Disposal during the Second World War was one of the most special meeting in November. The 14th November is the dangerous of jobs needing a steady hand, lots of patience publication date of Mike Browns new book on Utility Clothing. and much courage. To know that one wrong move, one To mark this publication we are holding a joint event with Kent Libraries miscalculation, will mean instant death or disfigurement where Mike will be talking about Utility Clothing as well as giving you requires a mental fortitude few possess. Even then, with no the opportunity to get hold of a signed copy. Tickets are available now errors, it may just be that “your time is up”. and details can be found on page 9. Do come along if you can, it should be an excellent evening. Using material from her research for the book “UXB Malta” Susan Hudson will be giving an If you have been to an event or visited somewhere of interest to audio and video presentation that will include members do drop us a line and let us know. It’s good to share and I’m stories and accounts of how Bomb Disposal sure many of your fellow members would like to visit. personnel approached this very dangerous and unpredictable job. Ian Susan Hudson is a specialist in local history Please support the Society with a subscription on-line at with a career in communications for the www.1940.co.uk or fill out and return the form on the back of this magazine. heritage industry. Working as a guide-lecturer and writing publications for historic sites such as Chatham Historic Dockyard she also presents radio series on heritage attractions. If you have any comments, articles or information of interest we would be pleased to consider it for future use. Please contact us at: The We are delighted that she will be our speaker 1940’s Society, 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2UX or email us at: [email protected] . this evening for what will be a fascinating talk. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part and in any form whatsoever, is strictly prohibited without the prior permission of the editor. Whilst every care is taken with material submitted to ‘The 1940s Society”, no responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the 1940s Society. Friendly meetings learning more about life in the 1940’s. Whilst every effort has been made to contact all copyright holders, the sources of some pictures that may be used are obscure. The Meetings start at 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall, Nr. Sevenoaks. publishers will be glad to make good in future editions any error or omissions brought to their attention. The publication of any quotes or illustrations on which clearance has not been given is unintentional. Admission £3. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 or visit the Web Site at: www.1940.co.uk Designed and produced by Ian Bayley. . © Ian Bayley 2014

2 3 The Birth of Utility Clothing Home front historian and author Mike Brown launches his new Advertise book “CC41 UTILITY CLOTHING - The label that Transformed British Fashion” in November. Here he gives a brief overview of here how Utility clothing came about. The CC41 Utility logo, or the ‘two cheeses’ as it was known at the for as little Board of Trade, was probably the most well-known symbol in Britain as £20 for a decade from 1942. While it was used on shoes, household textiles such as tea towels, sheets and blankets, and furniture, it is mystery and by far best remembered in terms controversy of clothing, so much so that, surrounds as a brief foray into ebay will demonstrate, it has erroneously the utility become a term used to refer to system... any clothing from the period.

Worse, mystery and controversy surrounds the utility system, the Dr John Ray meaning of the various stamps, Authoritative Books symbols and numbers associated The Battle of Britain, New Perspectives (not always correctly), with Utility. Even the CC41 symbol itself is ascribed several different meanings, depending on who you speak to: Controlled Clothing, DINO’S Controlled Commodity, Civilian Clothing, etc. On the face of things CAR SERVICES this seems unbelievable. How can We cater for all vehicles but specialise in: the details of a hugely widespread scheme, operated within living Jeeps, Military, Vintage & Classics The Night Blitz, memory, have become lost? Call or email to discuss your requirements 1940 - 1941 or to arrange a visit for a cup of tea and a Now available from Amazon, Apple, Kobo, With the historical focus this look at the problem. Watermans, NOOK, etc year set firmly on World War 1, Dean Whybra one thing becomes very clear as Tel: 078 666 999 69 1944 - the Beginning of the End Dr John Ray will be giving his annual regards the home front; very little Email: [email protected] lecture at 8pm on Friday 7 November - that affected the civil population Mobile service available. 8pm at Tonbridge Parish Church, Kent in World War 2, had not been 10% Discount with this Advert (Admission £5 on door) faced, and to a great extent dealt

4 5 in the summer of 1918, but proved a disaster. Manufacturers complained they could not make a profit on them, while consumers complained that the colour ran, and the material went ‘bobbly’ or unravelled. By now the war was almost over, and the scheme was quietly forgotten.

By 1941 Britain was facing another war of attrition, and the same situation applied as it had in 1917. The lessons of the past had been learned – whereas it had taken food queues and bread riots to force an unwilling government to introduce national food rationing in May 1918, after nearly four years of war, it was re-introduced in January 1940, after just four months. Again, as in WW1, shortages led to price Late utility rises for non-rationed items, and shirt-dress. The clothing was especially hit, with alternative to plain material to prices rising well above the cost avoid large pattern of living. repeats was a busy, An advertisement with in 1914-18. Rationing, air multi-coloured from November raids, gas-powered cars, civilian pattern such as this, 1942 clearly Under the Limitation of Supply anti-invasion forces, and of course where overlaps showing the Orders, manufacturers were only become almost Utility mark with clothing. The clothing and other allowed to produce a certain invisible. An the specification textile demands of the vastly proportion of the goods they had additional bonus is number 210. expanding armed forces, added that the dress This was a cloth made pre-war, the proportions will go with a for ‘women’s to the curtailment of imported varying depending on factors such range of coats or and maid’s raw materials due to the U-boat as the scarcity of the raw materials accessories. [young women’s] blockade meant a shortage of costumes’. involved and the necessity or cloth, and this at a time when the otherwise of the final product. In The Board of Trade were Dalton was one of the Labour needs of the services were always April 1940, the limits on cloth were responsible for clothing, and ministers brought into the cabinet going to come first, left civilians a 25% cut in wool and rayon, and in 1941, the President of the after Churchill formed the coalition very much last in the supply chain. a 75% cut in linen, and that was Board of Trade, Oliver Lyttleton, government in 1940. Churchill if they could get the cloth – far managed to slip through clothing like others had learned from the In 1917 the answer was the harder said than done. Under rationing while Churchill was busy mistakes of 1914-18, and was introduction of ‘standard clothing’; these circumstances it was only with the hunt for the Bismark. The aware that the efficient conduct of as it sounds these were planned natural that many manufacturers public accepted it with hardly a the war required the introduction to be men’s and youths’ suits, cut out their cheaper, less-profit murmur, Churchill seemed to have of measures such as rationing and women’s and girls’ hosiery, making lines. Again there were forgiven Lyttleton, but it is the and conscription, which were underwear and dresses made protests, and calls for clothing case that he was moved less than completely at variance with the from ‘standard cloth’ to a fixed rationing, but Churchill did not a month later, being replaced by free-market, libertarian ethos of pattern with a (low) controlled believe that the public would Hugh Dalton. conservatism. These ‘necessary price. They began to appear accept it. evils’ became known as ‘war

6 7 socialism’, and it was generally government had curtailed At first there were complaints; accepted that, as such, they were consumption, through the austerity the original specifications were best run by labour politicians, such provisions it had cut down waste, so vague that some goods were as Dalton, or by businessmen and through purchase tax it had definitely shoddy, but soon these such as Lord Woolton. discouraged the manufacture over hiccups were ironed out. Certain expensive clothes. These were, specific ones remained; Utility One month after Dalton took over, one might say, ‘sticks’, now the children’s shoes were notorious, Metford Watkins was appointed government started to produce the stocking were poor and corsets ‘Director of Civilian Clothing’ at the ‘carrot’ of Utility. appalling, but all-in-all the mark Board of Trade. The problem of was one of cheap, but reliable high prices still remained. There First came Utility cloths, made to goods. To extend the range, and had been much debate about set specifications. By now, textile improve choice, Utility clothes the reintroduction of standard firms were being supplied with and footwear were produced in cloth, or standard clothes; raw materials on a quota system. Unusual late forties’ We may never know the definitive three grades, as were non-Utility, ...now the terms which brought a shudder To encourage production of Utility house shoes or answer to that question – by the giving three price ranges – this is slippers, government to many. Watkins promised to cloth, manufacturers who agreed with impressed time the symbol was released to most easily seen on shoes, where started to bring in cheaper clothes for the to do so received a far higher utility mark on the the public it had been agreed to women’s shoes for example, produce the poorer classes, but stressed that quota. This Utility cloth could only leather sole. extend the term Utility to clothing, besides the Utility mark and the this would not be at the price of be used to make Utility garments, footwear, and to furniture. A individual specification number ‘carrot’ of standardisation. “Let us call it a again to specifications, and again single identifiable mark would are marked W1, W2 and W3, Utility. Watkins suit” he said “In no sense clothing manufacturers would be very useful to the public, indicating their price range. will it be civilian uniform’. A few receive a far bigger quota of Utility who needed to know whether days later it was also announced cloth than non-Utility if they agreed purchase tax should be charged, As war socialism, the that the government intended to to opt-in to the system. Last the (several unscrupulous traders Conservatives intended to scrap produce ‘National footwear’. consumer was encouraged to were prosecuted for cutting the scheme post-war, but Labour’s buy Utility items when it was out Utility labels). The answer victory in 1945 meant the scheme Soon after the Board began to announced that Utility clothing probably lies in a Board of Trade continued until 1952, when the issue the ‘Austerity’ provisions. would be purchase-tax free, file –‘discussions on the Utility new Conservative government These were strict rules which making it significantly cheaper Mark’ – but, and it’s a big but, the scrapped its purchase tax dictated what might and might than similar non-Utility items. file was lost when thousands were exemption, effectively and actually not go into the making of clothes That September, 40 cloths were transferred to Kew in the 1960s. killing it off. and footwear; how many buttons, specified for the scheme; 16 pleats or pockets could go into an cotton, 19 wool, four rayon and item, the height of heels and the 1 locknit; at the same time the Book Launch in Sevenoaks Kent use of elastic, lace or embroidery. Utility mark appeared. It had been Mike Brown will be visiting Sevenoaks Library in Banned altogether were turn-ups, designed for the Directorate of Kent to launch his book on double-breasted jackets or suits, Civilian Clothing by Reg Shipp. cut-outs on shoes, and many other The Board insisted when asked Friday 14th November at 7pm. ideas which wasted material. by journalists that the symbol Mike will be giving a fully illustrated talk on Utility was just that – a symbol meaning Clothing, displaying utility clothing items and signing In October 1941, purchase tax nothing, yet many pointed out copies of his new book. was introduced; this could be that the two cheeses looked charged on different articles at very like a double C, for Civilian Tickets are just £2 and are available directly from different rates, so necessities Clothing? Certainly not Controlled Sevenoaks Library on 01732 585300 or by email from could be tax-free, while luxuries Cloth or Commodity, as by then, [email protected] such as gold jewellery could all clothing was controlled by the have a 100% or more tax rate, austerity provisions, and all but Available 14 November 2014 Books can also be pre-ordered from the 1940s Society stimulating the production of the most expensive (made-to- ISBN: 978 178122005 4 Website and will be delivered on publication. cheaper, more necessary articles. measure Couturier models) were Full Colour throughout Thus, through rationing, the price controlled. Hardback £19.95 (Sevenoaks Library, Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 1LQ)

8 9 Barry the Warden If we think of Air Raid Wardens at all, It is difficult today not to think of the rather arrogant and comical figure of ‘Hodges’ the Warden from the much loved series “Dads Army”. Although a huge fan of the series I’m not sure that it does the role of the ARP Warden much credit and I was delighted to meet Barry the Warden at the Havenstreet WW2 steam railway weekend on the Isle of Wight this summer. Barry talked about his display and the important role of the Warden in wartime Britain.

The display included a full size The local Wardens posts brick replica of a Wardens would have been positioned Post and a variety of items that roughly half a mile apart might be found inside. Barry depending on the area you himself was fully kitted out in lived in. The Wardens would a dark navy blue uniform and have reported any bomb explains; damage and enforced the blackout regulations. The “This is the uniform of the Civil artefacts I have on display are Defence Warden and derives part of a collection that I’ve from the old ARP which can been building up over the past be traced back as far as the four or five years”. First World War when the Germans came over in their The building itself looks to zeppelins to bomb Kent and be a very convincing and London. ARP stands for Air substantial brick building with a Raid Precautions and started concrete roof. How did you go before the war in about 1936 about building it, I assume it’s when the government decided not actually concrete? to get everything together in readiness for war. “No, I built the post from polystyrene and wood just to make it look like an authentic building. It was a standard design which was slightly adapted. Some were made of concrete some were made of brick. It was just a place for wardens to write out their reports and have a base for their duties.

10 11 I actually built the post in my You have a variety of items on young boys were often used to Some of the items you have dining room which didn’t make display, can you tell us a little contact rescue parties and run are delicate and some quite my wife terribly happy. The about some of them? other errands. difficult to replace. Are you actual post is twelve feet by worried about people handling four feet but is made up of “I have a number of gas The items have been collected them? sections which are about four masks starting with the ‘Baby over a number of years and feet by three feet making it far Bag’. When old enough the this is only a small part of “I hate to see things behind more manageable to transport. child would then move up to it. I’ve bought from shops, glass and ropes. The items It was great fun to build and the blue and red coloured dealers, and of course auction here are history and are there it’s really enjoyable to take it ‘Micky Mouse’ gas mask sites. A number of items just to be touched. If someone along to events to show people and then onto the standard aren’t available so I’ve made wants to pick up something or what a warden’s post was civilian respirator. I also have them myself. The medical use the gas rattle for example actually like. There are very a civilian duty respirator and supplies box for example I then they can do so and get a few Wardens posts left with military respirator on display. made but the entire contents better feeling and appreciation most of them now demolished My bicycle is nearby which are all original. I make items as for the history. If I can make or hidden”. would have been an important close to the originals as I can. I history come alive for visitors form of transport. It would rather enjoy it.” and give them just an inkling of depend on how many wardens what wartime life was like then were available but messages I’ll be happy”. would need to be sent and Many thanks to Barry for taking the time to talk to us and do say hello if you see him at a 1940s event - he’ll be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

12 13 Photo Album Original Period Photographs with a Story Back to Civy Street: Discharged British Airmen select their Civilian Clothes

(May 1945)

Men of the Royal Air Force, discharged on medical grounds visited an R.A.F. civilian clothing centre at Wembley, Middlesex, and changed their uniforms for civilian clothes.

A/C-2 George Attree of Reading, Berkshire, completes his wardrobe with a pair of shoes.

14 15 Cyril Stapleton. by Jeff ‘Two-Tone Boogie’ The spotlight shines upon a gentleman who first appeared on local radio at the age of 12, he went on to work for the BBC from the early 1910’s through to 1956. He was also A & R man for Pye Records, travelled to and played in Africa and Czechoslovakia and was a member of three major London Orchestra’s, giving us showmanship, good taste and a variety of great dance music.

Cyril Stapleton was born on 31st BBC band was, in Cyril’s own December 1914 at Mapperley, words “a very good move” on Nottingham. He started to his part but problems arose play violin at the age of seven, when Hall began thinking at the age of 12 appeared in that Cyril was to young. Cyril his first radio broadcast for returned to Nottingham where a local Nottingham station. he formed his own band and This initial appearance lead played the cinema’s. Cyril later Cyril soon to Cyril broadcasting for the joined Jack Payne’s orchestra, enlisted in BBC from their Birmingham touring throughout South Africa studio. During this early period and appearing on some of the RAF of his career Cyril also went Payne’s 1936 Rex Label 78rpm where he to Czechoslovakia to study recordings. served five violin under the famous teacher years as an Sevcik. There is no record of On his return to London Cyril’s air gunner any recordings made during this band started working at The visit but there are comment’s Casino in Compton Street and that Cyril played in a small Fisher’s Restaurant in New band while in Czechoslovakia. Bond Street. Cyril’s band’s first Like most players of that time broadcast was in March 1939; Cyril spent many an afternoon Cyril was also playing with the and evening playing in ‘pit Jack Hylton Orchestra under the orchestras’ to silent movies. It leadership of Billy Ternet. This was at the age of 17 that Cyril takes us up to the start of WWII won a scholarship to Trinity when Cyril soon enlisted in the College of Music in London. RAF where he served five years Cyril soon responded to an as an air gunner. Cyril organised advert, Henry Hall was seeking the music for concerts and players for a new Dance Band shows as various stations, he for the BBC. Cyril passed the even managed to see the Glenn audition, playing with the band Miller Army Air Force Band on a in its first ever broadcast, as visit to the USA. For his last year well as appearing on some of in the RAF Cyril was stationed Hall’s first Columbia recordings at Uxbridge and soon became a in 1932. The move to Hall’s member of the RAF Symphony

16 17 night broadcasts Dick James and in most homes the only form succeeded in bringing you became one of his singers, of entertainment, so having the dance music with a difference”. James went on to find fame and budget to pay for such artists. fortune as the music publisher As well as Radio the BBC Show The band was at this time for the Beatles. With the addition Band also featured in some TV broadcasting three times a of strings to the band in 1948, shows making Cyril Stapleton week, this was soon to come to Cyril’s band started to attract even more of a household an end with policy changes at a wider audience. This wider name. This was the time when the BBC. With much criticism audience gain was also helped song publishers were giving being thrown at them the BBC along with appearances on Cyril the choice of most new had decided to close the band radio shows such as “Golden songs before passing them down and end its broadcasting Slipper” and the more famous onto other artists. Not only radio and recording career. Cyril, not “Hit Parade”. and TV but also the cinema one for sitting around was soon recognised the band’s talent and touring with a new band of his In 1952 the BBC Dance filmed a BBC Show Band film own, recording, broadcasting Orchestra was changed to the With much in Cinemascope. The film titled and playing theatres and dance BBC Show Band, with Cyril criticism “Just for you” was released to halls around the country. In the being appointed conductor, this being thrown the Odeon Cinema chain late in mid 1960’s Cyril took a side insured Cyril’s fame. Employing at them the 1955. step and joined Pye Records as Cyril Stapleton & Orchestra. On his return to only the finest of musicians and Artist and Repertoire manager. Dick James civilian life Cyril decided to arrangers this was the BBC’s BBC had In November 1955 at the Some years later Cyril was concentrate on symphonic music flagship band for the playing of decided to height of the BBC Show Band’s persuaded to return to recording and was a member of three of popular music with the first radio close the popularity it was recorded that and conducted the orchestras on Londons biggest orchestra’s, program being aired on October band down... Cyril commented “When the several excellent albums. Cyril the Philharmonia Orchestra, 2nd 1952. The band attracted BBC Show Band was formed in once again returned to touring the London Symphony and the very best of British vocalists 1952 we had no idea it would with his Big Band attempting the National Symphony. Cyril’s as well as top American vocalists attain such success as it has to recreate the success he had interest in symphonic music such as Nat ‘King’ Cole and during these past three years. while with the BBC Show Band. began to weaken and in 1947 Frank Sinatra who were also We had a lot of criticism at first, he reformed his old band and happy to work with the band. both good and bad, and we Cyril sadly died on the 25th was back performing at Fisher’s We have to remember hear that changed the pattern to please February 1974 leaving behind Restaurant. With the start of late Radio at this time was the main as many people as possible. him a varied and interesting Many star personalities of today history and a very fine collection came to us as newcomers to of recordings. radio, such as Stan Sennett; Bill McDuffie was another, who went on to appear as a great solo performer of the piano, and also run his own big band; a young Tommy Whittle, who also went on to form his own orchestra; and not forgetting the Scots comedian/compeer, Ricky Fulton. Variety is the spice Cyril Stapleton & Matt, Joe Mudele, of dance music programmes, Bert Weedon, Jack that has always been my motto, Cummings, Dennis Wilson and I sincerely hope that I have

18 19 From Scarlet to Khaki BOOK Understanding the Twentieth Century British Army Uniforms in your Family Album. REVIEW by Jon Mills.

There is no doubt that with the popularity of programmes such as “Who do you think you are?” the interest in genealogy has continued to grow. Country church graveyards seem to be positively crowded on occasions and thanks to the internet, much research can be achieved with the click of a mouse. Yet the internet doesn’t of army uniform and subtle hold the answers to everything differences can often pinpoint and a little detective work and dates and locations. knowledge by the researcher can uncover secrets that will progress The book is divided into sections research into new territories. working chronologically from 1900 and shows how the uniforms The humble photo album (now evolved often by necessity and becoming a thing of the past as sometimes due to local conditions. we all move into the electronic As you would expect from Jon world) can be a great source Mills, it is written with authority of information and the correct and an attention to detail. A fully identification of uniforms in the comprehensive book on every album can be a boon to any aspect of British Army uniform genealogist who wishes to find out would take many hundreds of more about their relatives military pages and is beyond the scope of this title. However, it covers the career. Not always an easy task, basic details you would need to this is where ‘From Scarlet to know and I found it a fascinating Khaki’ by Jon Mills can help. insight into the changes in uniform The book is a 32 page A4 softback and a useful reference book. With crammed with information and a cover price of just £6.50 it is illustrative photographs covering a useful read and reference for the period between 1900 and anyone with an interest in British 1961 - A period that saw large Army Uniform. numbers of volunteer soldiers From Scarlet to Khaki – Understanding the supporting regular troops all over twentieth century British army uniforms in the world for the your family album by Jon Mills first time. Two World ISBN: 0952811421 Price: £6.50. Published by Wardens Publishing. Wars and compulsory National Service ensure that many Special Members Offer Members of the Society can log- photo albums on to the members area of the contain relatives 1940s Society and buy this book in an assortment at the special price of £5.00.

20 21 Large dance floor and clothing attending (I’ve been to the last 3 Events Diary stalls. Tickets £7 on the door and have not been disappointed). Not a complete 20th - 21st September 2014 4th & 5th October Details: 07931 674 158 or www. The money raised goes to help listing of Salute to the 40s - Life on the Holme Front - Holme preservers of sound.com the work of the church. everything Chatham Dockyard Village 1940s Weekend PE7 3PA that’s going on An annual event which goes down Meander round the village and 25th - 26th October 2014 14th November 2014 but a few in the diary of many every year. see the vehicles, stalls and The Wartime Port - National CC41 Utility Clothing - Book events that may Set in the Historic Chatham displays. Visit Holmewood Hall Waterways Museum CH65 4FW Launch & Talk - 7pm be of interest to Dockyard this event includes with its grounds, and exhibitions. Two days of entertainment with a Mike Browns long awaited book members. re-enactors, vintage vehicles, For further details contact 1940s and maritime focus. Tea “CC41 Utility Clothing” (ISBN 978 traders and much more including 07860342163 or visit www. dances both days and a victory 178122005 4) is launched today More are listed the normal attractions at the holmewoodhall.co.uk/holmefront party on Saturday night. Displays, at Sevenoaks Library (kent) on an on the website dockyard. Further details at scenarios, civilian and military evening jointly organised by Kent at www.1940. www.thedockyard.co.uk 10th -12th October 2014 vehicles, period traders and much Libraries and the 1940s Society. co.uk Pickering Wartime Weekend more. Normal museum entry fees 26th September 2014 Set in North Yorkshire this is apply. Pre-booked re-enactors will Mike will be giving a fully The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks possibly one of the most well recieve entry passes. Contact illustrated talk on Utility Clothing, Army Bomb Disposal in the known wartime weekends in the 01513555017 displaying utility clothing items Second World War country. Steam trains, trade and signing copies of his new Susan Hudson stands, and 1000’s of re-enactors. 26th October 2014 book. Tickets are just £2 and are Susan Hudson is an author, For more information visit www. FORTIES TO NOUGHTIES available directly from Sevenoaks lecturer and radio presenter pickering-warweekend.co.uk BAZAAR Library on 01732 585300 or by whose book ‘UXB Malta’ gives an Scrogg Road, Newcastle Upon email from: account of the dangerous and 11th October 2014 Tyne NE6 2PR [email protected] unpredictable job of bomb The Coco Club 9.30 to 3.30 £2.00 adult (Sevenoaks Library, Buckhurst disposal in Malta. Enjoy the style and glamour of the admission. Vintage, retro, Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 1LQ) Tonight she will be giving an 1930s at the Stag Theatre Plaza recyclers/up-cyclers, home-wares, illustrated talk on the challenging Suite, Sevenoaks - 7.30 pm jewellery, glass, china, fashions, 14th - 17th November 2014 and dangerous job of the British This vintage nightclub features etc., and gorgeousness. Live Riviera Swing - 30’s & 40s Army bomb disposal teams. period music from Empire Radio entertainment, refreshments, and Weekender 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near and live performances by Brandyn other “attractions”. Free local Victoria Hotel in Torquay Sevenoaks, Kent. Shaw and his Rythm Makers. parking, and only 1 ½ miles from RIVIERA SWING is a unique and Further details from Ian on 01732 This is an opportunity to wear Newcastle city centre (buses small 30’s and 40’s long- 452505 Admission £3 your best classic clothing and numbers 39 and 40) virtually to weekender dedicated to providing enjoy an evening of fabulous the door, and metro nearby. the very best AUTHENTIC period 27th - 28th September 2014 music, social dancing and a Stand bookings and all entertainment. Details at ‘Fort in the Forties’, New Tavern unique atmosphere. information from BR Events www. www.rivieraswing.co.uk Fort, Gravesend, DA12 2BT Tickets £15.00. Order Now on brevents.co.uk email website@ 10am to 5pm, This years two day 01732 450175 or online at brevents.co.uk or call 28th November 2014 event will feature wartime www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk 07779342782 The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks entertainment, re-enactors, Living Doodlebugs - V1s & V2s History and Vintage Vehicles. 11th October 2014 7th November 2014 Bob Ogley Both the Chantry and Fort Otford 1940s Swing Dance 7-30 1944 - The beginning of the end Bob Ogley is well known in Kent Magazines will be open to visitors. till Midnight. - Lecture by Dr John Ray as an author, journalist, historian Bookings and enquiries to Wil Otford Village Memorial Hall, Dr John Ray will be giving his and excellent speaker. Hornet 07513694346. No tracked Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ annual lecture at 8pm at 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near vehicles or axis re-enactors Dress to Impress, 1940/1950s Tonbridge Parish Church, Kent. Sevenoaks, Kent. allowed. civilian or allied uniform (Admission £5 on door). Dr Rays Further details from Ian on 01732 Free tea, coffee & doughnuts, lectures are always informative, 452505 Admission £3 Please bring your own drinks interesting and well worth

22 23 The 1940’s Society Membership Application 2015

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Issue 87 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX

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