The 1940s Society

For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Issue 78 March / April 2013 £3.00

Building the Railways The suffering of Japanese POWs

Ivy Benson - One of Britains Greatest Femail Musicians by Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie”

Photo Album Original photographs with a story

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]

1 Topical Content This issue of the magazine is bursting with content which is also rather topical. The anniversary of the terrible tragedy at Bethnal Green Tube station, an article on the Burma Railway, which will be of special interest to those who will be coming to hear Fergus speak, and details of the shock move of the annual War & Peace Show. We even bring up the subject of horse meat which has been in the news so much recently. Whatever your interests I hope you enjoy this issue.

All members who have an email address should now have received their log-in details to the Society website members area. If you haven’t had this then you need to email me at [email protected] with your details and I will make sure your log-in details are sent to you. It may be that your email address is out of date or incorrect so please drop me a line to let me know.

The members area is new and small but I hope to add to it significantly. You can already find members offers, videos, and recent issues of this magazine (I hope to add all the issues eventually). If you have thoughts of what else you would like added please let me know.

As always, please send in your articles, reviews, comments or suggestions for inclusion in the magazine and website as I’m sure your fellow members would enjoy reading them.

Kind Regards

Ian

Please support the Society with a subscription on-line at www.1940.co.uk or fill out and return the form on the back of this magazine.

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 1940’s Society, 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2UX or email us at: [email protected] .

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.

Whilst every effort has been made to contact all copyright holders, the sources of some pictures that may be used are obscure. The 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.

Designed and produced by Ian Bayley. . © Ian Bayley 2013

2 The 1940s Society For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks Friday 22nd March 2013 - 8pm Another Evening with Fergus Anckorn We were very fortunate to have Fergus Anckorn come and speak to us in September 2012 where he gave a fascinating account of his Second World War Experiences.

The evening left all those that attended wanting to hear more from this extraordinary man and we had no hesitation in inviting him back to tell us more of his powerful story. We are delighted and honoured to have him back Fergus Anckorn was a to talk to us again and this Prisoner of War (POW) in evening’s talk will focus on Burma during the Second the coincidences he World War. He cheated experienced during his captivity. death on numerous occasions and experienced This is a rare opportunity to hear the first-hand conditions that few of us accounts of an extraordinary man and can not could imagine. be recommended enough.

A short video clip of Fergus speaking at our last meeting is available to watch online at www.1940.co.uk

Friendly meetings learning more about life in the 1940’s. Meetings start at 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall, Nr. Sevenoaks. Admission £3. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 or visit the Web Site at: www.1940.co.uk

3 Dr John Ray Authoritative Books

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The Night Blitz, 1940 - 1941

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4 The Boys in Blue It wasn’t just the Army that suffered terribly as Japanese POWs but many services from many nations. David & Barbara Wilcox recently visited the Far East and share some of their experiences which are of particular interest considering our speaker this month, Fergus Anckorn, was one of those POWs.

When ever I think of the RAF watched the famous film ‘Bridge during WW2 two sayings come over the River Kwai’, so it was into my mind “The Brylcreem really exciting to be able to see Boys or The Boys in Blue” how for ourselves this area which wrong I have been as during suffered so badly during the war WW2 the RAF were of course years. not only in Europe wearing blue but also in the Far East where We started at the Kanchanaburi the tropical climates uniform was War Cemetery, which is situated of a completely different colour. only a short distance from the site of the former “Kanburi” Recently whilst on a trip to the prisoner of war base camp Far East, we were fortunate through which most of the enough to visit Kanchanaburi prisoners passed on their way to to see the Cemetery, Museum other camps. The War Cemetery and the famous Bridge. We was created by the Army Graves had done some homework Service who transferred to it on the subject and of course all graves along the southern section of the railway from Bangkok to Nieke.

5 About 300 men who died mostly from a Cholera epidemic from Whilst walking around the May – June 1943 at the Nieke grounds we found several camp were cremated and their stones marking the graves of ashes now lie in two graves RAF personnel, so we began in the cemetery. The names to realize that it was not just of these men are inscribed on the army who were part of the panels in the shelter pavilion. surrender of Singapore, but also

There are now some 5084 Commonwealth casualties of the Second World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery, there are also 1,896 Dutch War graves. The cemetery was designed by Colin St Clair Oakes. At the entrance, the Kanchanaburi Memorial also records the names of 11 men of the Army of Undivided India buried in Muslim cemeteries in Thailand where their graves could not be maintained.

the RAF and Navy.

Just across the road from the cemetery there is the Thailand- Burma Railway Centre, an excellent museum which tells the story in detail of that grim episode of World War Two which took place here.

During the building of the railway which ran from Nong Pladuk in Thailand to Thanbuyuzayat in Burma, the Japanese assembled a multinational work force of about 250,000 Asian labourers and over 60,000 Australian, British , Dutch and American POWs. Work on the line began in southern Burma in October 1942 while at the

6 same time construction also still very much a memorial to all started in Thailand. On 16th those men who worked to build October 1943, the two ends the original bridge). The film of the Burma-Thailand railway fails to mention that not one but were joined at Konkoita in two bridges spanned the River Thailand. There was no modern Kwai in the Second World War. equipment for this work, earth The original wooden bridge and rock were broken by which the film was named after shovels, picks and chunkels was completed in February (hoes) and carried away in 1943, but the first train crossed baskets or sacks. Cuttings were the other 11 span steel and driven through rock by hand; concrete bridge seen today in metal taps and sledgehammers June of the same year. being used to drill holes for explosives. Most of the bridges along the railway were timber trestle bridges made from timber cut in the surrounding jungle.

Our final visit that day took us to the River Kwai and the Bridge (which of course is not the one built during the War, but it is

7 The next day we visited the down the steep pathway to Hellfire Pass museum. The the cutting and by the time we museum was co-sponsored by had reached the bottom were the Royal Thai Armed Forces exhausted from the steepness Development Command and of the climb and also the heat the Australian government, to – we of course were fortunate commemorate the suffering – we hadn’t had to fight our way of those involved in the through bamboo undergrowth – construction of the railway. we had brought a good supply It was built by the Office of of water and of course had Australian War Graves and taken our malaria tablets that opened by the then Prime morning!! Minister of Australia, John Howard. As a part of the Hellfire Pass in the Tenasserim museum experience, it is Hills was a particularly difficult possible to walk through the section of the line to build. It was cutting itself and along a section the largest rock cutting on the of the former railway track bed. railway, coupled with its general It was now that we began to remoteness and the lack of have a limited idea of what work proper construction tools during must have been like, we climbed building. A tunnel would have been possible to build instead of a cutting, but this could only be constructed at the two ends at any one time, whereas the cutting could be constructed at all points simultaneously despite the excess effort required by the POWs. The Australian, British, Dutch and other allied Prisoners of War were required by the Japanese to work 18 hours a day to complete the cutting. Sixty nine men were beaten to death by Japanese guards in

8 the six weeks it took to build the line and get some idea of the cutting, and many more the difficulties which had to be died from cholera, dysentery, overcome building this section. starvation, and exhaustion. However, the majority of deaths occurred amongst labourers whom the Japanese enticed to come to help build the line with promises of good jobs. These labourers, mostly Malayans (Chinese, Malays and Tamils from Malaya), suffered mostly the same as the POWs at the hands of the Japanese. The I quote from our Certificate of Japanese kept no records of Remembrance: these deaths. “This train passes from the past into the present, from the sorrows of the past into the hopes of the future, from the ugliness of war into the serene beauty of nature, over the cool gurgling waters of the River Kwai which ease the thirst of the land it traverses on its way to the sea. May the thirst for Today 130 kilometres of the peace of all peoples end all wars line remains in use from Non through the soothing waters of Pladuk to Namtok and one of reconciliation”. the highlights of this trip was our ride on part of this remaining I think that says it all. track. We boarded the train at Thakilen travelling ‘First Class’ (that meant we had a seat, were Many books have been written served a hot drink and received about the building of this a Certificate of Remembrance railway line, but I could certainly of the trip), it was amazing. The recommend two books: crowded noisy carriage rattling “The Railway Man” along the old wooden track, by Eric Lomax the views of the fields and then the river winding along were “Captivity, Slavery and Survival a vivid reminder of what had as a Far East POW, the happened here so many years Conjuror on the Kwai” before. We alighted the train by Peter Fyans. at Thamkrasae, and were able (This book tells the story of to walk along the track viewing Fergus Anckorn who is this the track and timbers holding months speaker.)

9 10 The War and Peace Revival is the new name for everyone’s favourite War and Peace Show, which has moved after 25 years at The Hop Farm to a brand new location deep in Hellfire Corner! RAF Westenhanger at Folkestone Racecourse near Hythe, Kent is the new location for the exciting new War and Peace Revival!

The move has allowed organiser Rex Cadman and his team to Dont’t forget bring in more of the wartime the date, civilian aspect in the new Vintage Village, where you can 17 - 21 July see civilian vehicles and re- 2013 enactors from 1930s – 1960s. Lead expertly by Jude Knight, the Vintage Village Home Front displays will feature land army, WVS, a vintage pub and shop, There are many advantages Home Guard, wartime police of the new venue not least of and fire service – and lots more! which is the increase in space A tranquil area of the world’s and facilities. 182 acres were largest military vehicle event, used at the Hop Farm with a this will surely be a haven for massive 225 acres available at those looking for more than the the new venue. The transport military aspect of war. links are also much better – just a couple of minutes off Junction 11 of the M20 with a mainline rail station immediately next door. Permanent facilities include three bars and a 160 seat restaurant overlooking the Arena, living history displays. We will have more details of the event in our next issue but do have a look at the War & Peace website and I for one will be putting it down in my diary as a not to be missed event for 2013.

11 Photo Album Original Period Photographs with a Story

12 Photo Album Original Period Photographs with a Story

No Coupons Required

With the recent publicity regarding horse meat I thought it would be a good opportunity to show that horse meat is not something new to the British public.

This photograph from April 1941 shows a passerby pausing to look at cuts of horse meat for sale in a butcher shop in Hull.

In wartime Britain there were many husbands who tucked into their dinner, complimenting their wives on managing so well with the few coupons they had, little suspecting that they to were eating horse.

13 14 Ivy Benson by Jeff ‘Two-Tone Boogie’ After much thought and time writing about various male artists I decided that this time I would write about on of Britain’s greatest female artists from the Jazz and Swing era’s. My chosen artist is a lady of great reputation and musical skill who appeared on Radio, Concert stage, Television and small stage, Ivy Benson.

Ivy Benson was born in Holbeck, Teddy Joyce and The Girl Friends Leeds, Yorkshire on May 6th in 1935. Ivy moved to London in 1913 to Douglas Rolland “Digger” the late 1930s, and formed her Benson and his wife Mary Jane own small groups. In 1940 she Mead. Ivy was well known for formed the nine-piece, Ivy Benson being an accomplished musician And Her Rhythm Girl Band, for the on piano, electric organ, clarinet all-female revue ‘Meet The Girls’. and saxophone, Ivy was the leader of a renowned all-female During World War II, Ivy fronted orchestra. Ivy’s musical interest bands of varying in size from 12 to was inspired by her father who 23-piece, sometimes augmented played several instruments in by strings, opportunities for female ensembles as varied as the Leeds musicians opened up as many Symphony Orchestra, theatre pit male musicians were enlisted bands, and a comedy outfit, the Ten Loonies. From the age of five it was under her fathers tuition that Ivy learnt to play the piano. By the age of nine Ivy was performing on BBC Radio’s Children’s Hour, and in local working men’s clubs, where she was billed as ‘Baby Benson’. It was Ivy’s father’s wish that she became a concert pianist, but after hearing a Benny Goodman record Ivy had other idea’s, she switched to clarinet, and then alto saxophone with the full intention of becoming a Jazz musician. In her teens she won a scholarship to the Leeds College of Art, and then worked in a factory for the men’s tailors, Montague Burton, while playing for dances and socials in her spare time. Joining Edna Croudson’s Rhythm Girls in 1929 and then

15 into the armed forces. The band “mother figure” although, by all became the BBC’s resident accounts, they did receive the dance band in 1943, a move that occasional “telling off” if they did provoked expressions of fury and not comply with her signature outrage from several male band tune, ‘Lady Be Good’. In 1945 the leaders. Also in 1943 Ivy appeared band were the first entertainers as herself with a speaking role in invited to perform with ENSA at the feature film The Dummy Talks, the VE Day celebrations in Berlin which starred Jack Warner. Ivy at the request of Field Marshal and her Band were top of the bill Montgomery, one of the high at the London Palladium for six spots of the tour was a concert months in 1944, on the bill with with Joséphine Baker in Bavaria. top acts such as comedians Max On Christmas Day that year Miller and Jimmy James and the they performed for a live BBC pianist duo, Rawicz And Landauer. Radio broadcast from Hamburg With the influx of American GIs immediately after the King’s into Britain, the speech. Benson and her band turnover in personnel also toured Europe and the Middle was frequent. Benson East with ENSA entertaining could lose a complete Allied troops. In 1946, Ivy and section overnight her Ladies Dance Orchestra when her girls left to were booked for the first post-war get married. Over broadcasts on BBC Television, but 250 members are had to pull out after the massive said to have been Stoll Theatres Group, fearful of recruited during the new medium, threatened to the band’s 40-year cancel her contracts. Ivy Benson life. Some joined and her Ladies Dance Orchestra when they were headlined variety theatres and only 15 years performed at the 1948 Summer old, and were Olympics in London. In 1960, musically trained Benson was playing the Lido, by Ivy, who was in Hamburg, when the young regarded as a Beatles were across the road at

16 the Indra Club. Ivy’s band survived met while performing in a summer the radical changes in popular season on the Isle of Man. The music that took place from the 50s marriage ended after she refused onwards, adapting its style, while to accompany him when he also leaning firmly on the nostalgic returned to the United States in sounds of the war years. 1963 and they were divorced in 1964. An operation left her unable When playing her summer to have children. In 1984 seasons at Butlins The Silver Lady, a and to open-air play by Liane Aukin audiences of up based on Benson’s to 6000 at Villa life, was staged at Marina on the Isle the Birmingham With the advent of Man, Ivy would Repertory of the Sex add a sprinkling Theatre. Benson Discrimination of light classics and her band Act in 1975, and show tunes. have been she changed Ivy and the band suggested as a the name of the appeared on the possible basis for Alan band to ‘Ivy television series ‘The Plater’s TV film The Last Benson And Music Box’ in 1957. With the of the Blonde Bombshells and Her Showband’ advent of the Sex Discrimination play Blonde Bombshells of 1943, Act in 1975, she changed the in which a woman reunites her name of the band to ‘Ivy Benson wartime all-girl band. And Her Showband’, and fielded Ivy retired to Clacton-on-Sea the occasional application from in Essex, where she was active naïve male musicians by offering for the charity Age Concern. them the job if they could get She had confounded the critics into a dress, size 10-16! By then, in the band business who said however, the best of times were that her girls ‘couldn’t sound long gone. Ivy was the subject of as good as a man’s band’, and an episode of the UK tribute show outlasted most of them. As an alto ‘This Is Your Life’ in 1976. Most of saxophonist, she could have held the variety theatres were closed, down a place in any band of her and the dance halls had become era. Ivy suffered a heart attack discotheques. During its last at her home and died on 6 May years, the band played mostly for 1993, aged 79. After her death private functions, and with a touch Ivy Benson was commemorated of class, its final gig was at the by Leeds Civic Trust in 2011 Savoy Hotel in London in 1982. In with a blue plaque placed at her 1988 Ivy was made an honorary childhood home in Cemetery fellow of Leeds Polytechnic, Road, Holbeck. the only significant honour she received during her lifetime. Ivy was married twice, she married theatrical producer Caryll Stafford Clark in 1949; they were divorced in 1951. In 1957 she married Sergeant Brantley Callaway of the United States Air Force, whom she

17 18 Bethnal Green Tube Shelter Disaster – 1943 The worst UK civilian disaster of the Second World War occurred on the stairs leading down to the unfinished Bethnal Green underground station, which was being used as a shelter at the time. The shelter could accommodate up to 10,000 people, but had not been used much once the worst of the blitz was over and raids had reduced.

However, that changed when British bombers attacked Berlin on 1st March 1943. Londoners were expecting reprisals from the enemy so more people than normal started to use the shelters again. On the night of 3rd March the air raid siren went off at 8.17pm and locals headed for the station for the night.

There was no warden or policemen on duty at the entrance for some reason, but as 3 buses arrived at once and disgorged their passengers the crowds headed for the doorway in their usual orderly way. Just then a brand new anti-aircraft rocket battery fired in the nearby park with a deafening, unfamiliar sound (likened apparently to an express train going through your living room). Nobody new this new rocket gun was there so they thought it was an enemy bomb and rushed for the single narrow entrance along with all the people that had been standing around outside. In the inky dark of the blackout a woman holding a baby fell at the bottom of the stairs. She pulled a man on top of her and on

19 Some of those that died in the tragedy

the wet slippery, uneven stairs The rescuers and Emergency others fell on top like a pack Services personnel were also of cards. Those trying to enter deeply affected as they were from the top could not see the pulling people out from the crush horror that was unfolding below not knowing if their own family in the dark. Within 30 seconds or friends would be among the 300 people were trapped and casualties or dead. squashed in the small space between the steps and ceiling Despite the secrecy almost all jammed solid and intertwined everyone in Bethnal Green knew together unable to move. somebody who was affected by it. Whole families were wiped Because of wartime restrictions out in some cases. School the authorities wanted to stop desks were empty next day and anyone finding out what had suddenly 15 funerals a day were happened to prevent the enemy driving through the local streets. gaining propaganda and also to keep up morale in London. So it The injuries were horrific took over 3 hours to release the (despite what the ‘official’ report last of the people and by then states) and those who helped 173 were found to be crushed to rescue them as well as those death (62 of them children, 84 who were trapped in the crush women and 27 men) and over had to live with the sights and 90 were injured. Many others sounds of that fateful night all walked away traumatised by the their lives. Many still cannot talk horror of what had happened. about even today.

20 We now know that the It took 50 years for a plaque to government covered up the be erected over the stairway true reasons for the disaster where so many died and the to protect the Home Secretary Stairway to Heaven Memorial from having to resign as the Trust believe that these local council had asked the sacrifices deserve a fitting government 3 times in writing for memorial so that residents and permission to alter the entrance, visitors will be able to read a full put in a central handrail and account of what happened. The more safety measures as they Trust has managed to fund two realised that a disaster could thirds of the money required to occur if lots of people were using complete the memorial but still the shelter at one time. Three require £105,000 to complete it. times the government refused If you would like to know more permission for it to be done. So, or are able to make a donation they allowed the local Bethnal towards the memorial then Green Council to take the blame please visit the website at: www. and rumoured that the disaster stairwaytoheavenmemorial.org

How the original was caused by a ‘loss of control’ (link available on 1940s Society entrance to the by the shelterers even though Website and a book on the station looked in witnesses at the time from the tragedy is also available from 1943 police and survivors confirmed the reproduction books section that there had been no panic at of the Society site). all until everyone realised they were trapped and unable to move.

21 Events Diary Not a complete 22nd March 2013 Pete Wayre. An evening that has it all. The best loved hits of the 1940’s and Earlier. listing of The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Songs including Jazz, Big Band, Swing, everything that’s Another Evening with Fergus Anckorn Music Hall and other standards. going on but a Fergus Anckorn was a Prisoner of War Members of the venue have free entry, few events that (POW) in Burma during the Second World Guests entry is a mere £3! on the door. Be War. He cheated death on numerous may be of interest sure to be there and early, as being a very occasions and experienced conditions that to members. popular club and very busy, admission is few of us could imagine. Having spoken to first come first served. Also remember, that us last year about some of his experiences it is a club, so drink prices are very minimal More are listed on we are delighted and honoured to have him and the venue offers some very “speak the website at back to talk to us again. This evening’s talk easy” offers. There is an extremely large www.1940.co.uk will focus on the coincidences he dance floor and the venue is great for experienced during his captivity. seating. Come along to an evening of nostalgic songs and dance the night away. This is a rare opportunity to hear the first- Period clothing is optional for all like us who hand accounts of an extraordinary man and like to “dress for the occasion” can not be recommended enough. Details: 01536 744811 or http://www. 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near thegrampian.co.uk Sevenoaks, Kent. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Admission £3 27th April 2013 Otford 1940s Swing Dance 7-30 till Midnight. Otford Village Memorial Hall, 19th - 23rd March 2013 Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ THE JERSEY 1940’S SWING DANCE Dress to Impress, 1940/1950s civilian or WEEKEND. The Hotel Metropole In St allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & Helier, Jersey - (South West England) doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks A wartime extravaganza with more dance Large dance floor and clothing stalls lessons than ever before plus entertainment Tickets £7 on the door from the incomparable 1940s sensation Details: 07931 674 158 or Lola Lamour and gramophone wizz DJ www.preservers of sound.com Woody. A fun packed weekend which will put a swing in anyone’s step. Register at www.modernhotels.com/wartime to receive 27th April 2013 frequent updates on the wartime themed Batley 1940s Swing Dance 7-30 till events. Travel package deals for ease of Midnight. St Mary’s Parochial Hall, Melton booking, such as Return Ferry and Return Street, Batley (Nr Leeds) Flight Packages are available. These DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY include return travel from the UK, return 1940s Big Band Swing Dance. Featuring transfers from the airport or harbour to the Dewsbury & Mirfield Music Centre Swing hotel, Full English Breakfasts, 4 Course Band. Tickets £10.00 entrance fee including Evening Meals and a 3 Nights Stay at The supper available from Brearleys Solicitors, 1 3* Hotel Metropole in St Helier, Jersey. The Brunswick Street, Batley - 01924 473065 packages are extremely flexible so extra Dress to Impress 1940s style - Don’t forget nights, room upgrades and a range of UK your gas mask airports are available as part of the package on request by our licensed ABTA / ATOL 27th & 28th April 2013 Modern Travel company Churnet Valley Railways 1940s Weekend For further information: contact -Post code ST10 2HA (West Midlands) 01534759529. Full itinerary available here: Join with us as once again we turn the http://www.modernhotels.com/library/ clock back to life on the home front during events/1940s_Swing_Dance_Weekend_ the 1940s. Back in full steam this year as Flyer.pdf we not only transport passenger along the beautiful Churnet Valley but also back in time with our colourful re enactors, military 6th April 2013 vehicles ,1940s classic cars, vintage market The Boardwalk club stalls and our nostalgic musical entertainers, THE GRAMPIAN, PATRICK ROAD, Plus our “We’ll Meet Again” dining train will CORBY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NN18 be serving a splendid 4 course Dinner on 9NT. Vocals of the Song Bird herself..Miss the Saturday evening 27th April (pre Luna nightingale and presented and Booking required) compere’d by the gentleman of song. Mr Re enactors, Vintage vehicles owners and

22 stall holders wishing to attend should apply 8th June 2013 for a registration form (limited re enactor 1940s Ball - British Airways Concord Club, passes available) by contacting Chris Cranford. Fletcher at the Churnet Valley Railway Sticky Wicket & his Swing Dance Orchestra ,Froghall Station, Froghall ,Staffs ST10 2HA & Cabaret by London Swing Dance Society. tel 01538 750755 or e mail chris.fletcher@ Preferred Dress Code - 40’s Military (Allied churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk Uniforms only), 40’s Civvies or Evening Dress. Tickets £18.50. 24th May 2013 Further details: 0208 513 2000 The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Fashion in the Forties - A talk by Amanda 15th June 2013 Pickard HEDNA’S THE VINTAGE NIGHTCLUB Vintage radio presenter and popular The Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes speaker Amanda Pickard will be taking a Music of the 1930’s & 40’s, Hedna’s look at the fashions in the forties with a becomes your passport to an age of style, particular emphasis on how they had to fashion, social dancing and vintage dance adapt to meet wartime conditions. With the tunes. Played in the setting they were help of original clothing, wartime newsreels meant to be heard. We even have a and periodicals of the time we will be resident vintage hair & makeup stylist on looking at the fashions and hairstyles of hand. Tickets are available from ‘The men, women & children that kept us looking Stables’ box office, Stockwell Lane, our best and helped raise the moral of the Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU. Box nation. Office 01908 280800 website http://www. hednas.co.uk/ Tickets: £14.50, or £16.00 on 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near the door (if available) Sevenoaks, Kent. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 26th July 2013 Admission £3 The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Speaker to be confirmed. 25th May 2013 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight Sevenoaks, Kent. Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 the 1940s & early 1950s. Admission £3 Slade Green Community Center, Bridge Road, Erith (Dartford) DA8 2HS 13th July 2013 Dress to Impress, 40s or 50s Civilian or The War & Peace Revival Allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & RAF Westhanger, Folkestone Racecourse doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks After 25 years at The Hop Farm the Tickets £7 on the door greatest military vehicle show on the planet Details: 07931 674 158 or is moving to a bigger and better venue. www.preservers of sound.com With more going on than ever check the website for full details. 1st June 2013 Visit www.thewarandpeacerevival.co.uk for The Coco Club more details. Enjoy the style and glamour of the 1930s At the Stag Theatre Plaza Suite, Sevenoaks 27th September 2013 - 7.30 pm. This vintage nightclub features The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks period music from Empire Radio and live Speaker to be confirmed. performances by renowned musicians ‘The 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Swing Museum’ together with talented Sevenoaks, Kent. vocalist ‘Jo Silver’.This is an opportunity to Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 wear your best classic clothing and enjoy an Admission £3 evening of fabulous music, social dancing and a unique atmosphere. 29th November 2013 The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Tickets £12.50 Speaker to be confirmed. Order Now from the Box Office on 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near 01732 450175 or online at Sevenoaks, Kent. www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Admission £3

23 The 1940’s Society Membership Application 2013

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Issue 78 Issue 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX

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