The 1940S Society

The 1940s Society

For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Issue 74 July / August 2012 £3.00

Wartime Fashion with Harry & Edna Jack Hylton The first in a 2 part series by Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie” A Passion for Policing Re-enactors with an eye for detail

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 Enjoy the Summer The 1940s Society Many thanks for all the positive feedback on the new website. All For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated and taken into consideration when adding to the site. I do apologise for Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks not rolling out the members area as quickly as I had wanted but members should be receiving emails with their log-in details in the Friday 13th July 2012 - 8pm next week or so. If you haven’t had your log-in details by the 1st August then that probably means I don’t have a valid email address for you. Please email me with your details and I will get back to 1941 - Hitlers Year of Madness you. A Lecture by Dr John Ray

Thank you to all those that have renewed their membership. 1941 was a pivotal year of the Second Membership is from January to December and for those that are World War. The two great opposing leaders new to the Society you can now join for the July to December Hitler and Churchill vowed to fight period at half the yearly rate. Join on-line at www.1940.co.uk or use on to the bitter end and the the form on the back of this magazine. Citizens of Britain faced the continued hardship of life under Getting to some of the many 1940s events around the country it is the continued bombing raids. wonderful to see the dedication and enthusiasm from the re-enactors. An example of this is Barry and Jackie Anscomb-moon (featured on page 18) who have put so much time and effort into It is often said that the two biggest their Police Station. I hope to speak to more enthusiasts at events mistakes that Hitler made were the this summer and feature them in later issues. war against Russia and the war against America. Both of these Enjoy the summer and If you have articles, reviews or information decisions took place in 1941. that you think fellow members would be interested in then do take the time to drop me a line and we can include it in future issues. Dr Ray will be discussing these and many other aspects of this important wartime Kind Regards year.

Dr John Ray is an author of numerous books Ian and taught history for forty years until his retirement in 1988. He is an authority on the Please support the Society with a subscription on-line at Second World War and in great demand as a www.1940.co.uk or fill out and return the form on the back of this magazine. speaker and lecturer. We are delighted to have him talk to us this evening.

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. 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 2012

2 3 For music, books, and a variety of other wartime Wartime Fashion & Hair related items Harry and Edna are about to launch their new travelling exhibition on wartime fashion and Make do and Mend with their ally in tow Sarah from Do Wop Dos demonstrating some interesting if slightly less well known wartime hair styles. Here is a little New excerpt from their presentation. skilled labour workforce was now being used in essential war work and uniform making. Website Therefore the Board of Trade tackled the shortages and demands in 3 ways; • Rationing – introduction of New selection of posters now available clothing rationing in June 1941 • Utility (design) CC41 www.1940.co.uk (controlled commodity 1941) • Austerity (control of manufacture, This girl in slacks Fashion during the war years limiting adornments etc) would have been underwent a huge change, as looked at with Shortages and rationing brought amazement pre-war. did the way women styled their a new dawn of fashion and For a second year! We will be hosting a hair and the make up they wore. Change was mostly bought design and through this came about with the onset of war and a new casualness in dress. charitable 1940’s event the need to divert raw materials Fading fast was formal evening into the much needed war effort. dress. It became acceptable for Saturday 11th August 2012. Although Britain had Stockpiled women to go without stockings 10:30am – 4:30pm essential goods before the war, in summer and for men to wear SANDWICH, KENT - GUILDHALL after the fall of France imports a cravat with an open neck rather than the formal tie and • 40’s Sweet heart, Kas of raw materials could not meet shirt collars. • Fiona Harrison demand and the government • Cinque Port Lindi Hoppers was faced with finding a way of Women were also taking on • Entertainment FREE controlling and meeting supply more masculine roles, for • Vintage Vehicles needs. example joining the ATS meant the wearing of shirts, caps, ties • Trade stands All proceeds go to NACC • Food Stalls Another reason for the and jackets. • Charity bargain stalls shortages was that a large Clothes rationing was For more information contact: number of factories producing announced through the newspapers on a Sunday and Phone: 07825 214377 In Memory of Michael John and manufacturing clothing E-mail : [email protected] Wilkie 26/03/1957 – 28/8/2009 had been requisitioned and the used 26 existing margarine

4 5 coupons dropped to 48 then 36 years, boiler suits, hats, sewing by 1945. thread, hard haberdashery, laces, mending wool, lace, net, Eight top designers including sanitary towels and black out Hardy Amies and Norman dyed cloth. Hartnell were each asked to submit 4 designs which Hair and how to style it became conformed to austerity rules. an issue for many women. Principally this meant a simple A shortage of hair products manufacturing process with bought about a need to cover limited cloth. For example skirts up hair and the introduction of were limited to 3 buttons, 6 alternative hair styles became seams, 2 box pleats & 1 pocket. the norm. No elastic waist bands or belts and the focus was on line Women were encouraged to and cut allowing pronounced keep their hair short as not only shoulders and a nipped in waist. did it cut down on the amount VOGUE magazine welcomed of styling to be done but also the designs and felt that utility the amount of product needed was steering away from drab as well. There were many making of wigs. Or perhaps a & dreary. Vogue claimed that Hats were a popular ingenious uses of hair pieces, hair piece made from a cows tail way of brightening now all women could have up a womens outfit. one Pathe information film madam? equal chance to buy beautifully Image from “The encouraged you to have your designed clothes suitable to their 1940s Look”. hair cut to provide hair for the As Hats were never rationed lives and incomes. many women used them as a changeable accessory and Mens clothing was also affected, changed the adornments on for example they were no hats rather than have a plethery longer allowed turn ups, wide of dresses. lapels or double breasted suits. Waistcoats could only have 3 The advent of the Gas mask curl buttons and pockets were kept was a style which left a parting to a minimum on all clothing. in middle of your head for your Pyjamas had no pockets at all gas mask strap, making the “Austerity” dresses, coupons (in the current food and a less formal approach wearing of it more comfortable. conforming to Britain’s Board of ration book) so as not to alert became far more acceptable The Turban increased in Trade regulations. the public to the scheme and such as open necks with no popularity partly because it hid thus avoiding panic buying. collars, pullovers and cord greasy hair and meant that However the black market trousers. women could pin and set their was very quickly flooded with curls and leave them in until 100,000 coupons so the Board Boys under 13 were not allowed the following evening or until Of Trade issued regulations to to wear long trousers and they were ready for going out. shopkeepers not to accept loose infants clothing could no longer Snoods also helped to hide coupons. When the new clothing have embroidery, scalloping or greasy or unkempt hair. Berets coupon book was produced trimming. There were some non could hide a mass of hair and there were 66 coupons to rationed items which included were very easy to make out of last a year. By mid war (1942) clothing for children under 4 scraps of fabric.

6 7 Another recipe… One ounce of Quince seeds steeped in a quart of water. Leave to cool & strain. Add 2 ounces of alcohol as a preservative

An easier suggestion was to use Sugar water to set your hair but the short supply of sugar made it less than ideal. Although women could still visit the hair salon, even then you needed to take your own hair pins.

Interestingly the hairspray can was invented in 1943 during World War II, when aerosol sprays were used to kill insects. After the war, the beauty industry recognized the “power” of the aerosol containers, which were pressurized by a fluorocarbon, or liquefied gas. In 1950, Helene Curtis became the first to use the generic term “hairspray” for its newly developed aerosol product called Spray Net. By 1955, the company was selling it across the world. If stockings were Due to the shortages there unavailable there were other was a rise in home made hair If you want to know more about solutions! products such as shampoo. the fashion and hairstyles of the Image from “The Here is one such receipe; 1940s Look”. period then a look through the magazines of the period gives Flax Seed Hair Setting Lotion a fascinating insight or you 3/4 cup water may also find ‘The 1940s Look’ 1 tablespoon whole flax seeds by Mike Brown a very useful Combine the water and flax reference. seeds in a small pan, and bring to a boil. Simmer until the Despite all the shortages and mixture is gelatinous (about 10- hardships I do think that you see 15 minutes). Strain out as many some amazing images from the of the seeds as you can. Let war years of people determined cool. Keeps for about 2 weeks in to look as immaculate as the refrigerator. possible and with some of the most fantastic hairstyles.

8 9 L A S H E N D E N JACK HYLTON (part 1) This month 1940s DJ Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie” continues his series of articles on important and influential musicians with the AIR WARFARE MUSEUM first of a two part feature on Jack Hylton. • One of the UK’s finest aviation archaeology collections Jack Hylton was born on July • Rare restored Picket-Hamilton Fort 2nd, 1892 at 75 Boundary Street • History of the airfield during World War Two in the village of Great Lever, • Hangar tours on the outskirts of Bolton, • Well stocked Museum shop Lancashire. He was christened John Greenhalgh Hilton by • Free admission (donations welcome) and free parking his cotton yarn twister father, • Open Sundays and bank holidays throughout the year George Hilton, originally from Stalybridge and his mother, Mary We are situated at Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent at the one time (formerly Mary Greenhalgh), home of the famous 354th Pioneer Mustang Fighter Group. a schoolteacher. It is said that while Jack was be delivered his Visit our website at mother was knitting a pair of socks to earn a shilling. Jack’s www.lashendenairwarfaremuseum.co.uk father was involved in the setting up of a local socialist club called ‘The Clarion Club’ giving music lessons to local youngsters, VIV The SPIV and was an amateur singer. This was Jack’s introduction to For all your music. From these lessons Jack would sweep the floor and help WARTIME EVENTS gained enough experience to his father for 5 shillings a week accompany his father on piano plus a share of the collection Advertise and later while still in Bolton made at the end of each show. Jack would sing and serve at It is about this time that he the public house Round Croft changed his name from John here (Owned by his father). He could Greenhalgh to Jack Hylton, be heard singing popular songs and that he was involved in the for as little of the day, such as ‘A Miner’s singing and playing of piano with Dream of Home’, ‘Thora’ and the ‘Seaside concert parties’. many others. It is said that the Between seasons Jack toured as £20 customers would bang their Devon and the North of England Top Quality Merchandise beer mugs on the tables as playing at various music halls. Always In-Stock recognition of Jack’s singing and While touring in the North West (No Coupons Required) it is this is that set Jack’s mind he would don the traditional mill to a career in show business. workers clothes and call himself Call 07956 282186 In 1905 (aged 13 years) Jack ‘The Singing Mill Boy’ began his first professional By the age of 17 Jack was an Email [email protected] show business job in Rhyl. Jack experienced performer and

10 11 was offered the job of musical a diamond mine owner called two started a double act, ‘Two from memory and this had to director for a pantomime Dunkles. An orchestra led by Comedians and A Piano’ with change. Jack was heard to say company touring England, violinist S Haxton, would play for Jack at the piano. In 1918 they to the club owner that if he had Scotland and Wales. This gave the dancers every night. Haxton came to London and started to a gramophone at home he could him his break in using the baton. gave Jack his break into dance work as ‘Handley and Hylton’ at write the music down. Jack was Jack stayed with this job for music. Jack was relief pianist the Strand Corner House, The so enthused by the recording three seasons. In 1913 Jack in the Orchestra. Although this Bedford Music Hall in Camden that they hired a gramophone was conducting a pit orchestra new job was cut short by the and the Lyons Popular Cafe in for him and sent him home to when he was offered the job as outbreak of war in 1914 Jack Piccadilly. In 1919 Jack went to write the music. After writing organist at the old Alexandra would soon devote his time to Jack was so Blackpool working as a publisher down the music Jack had to Theatre, London. He moved to dance music. Joining the Army enthused by of music. He would write songs, adapt it to the instruments in London and also met Ennis, who he became musical director of the have them printed and sell the band. With the addition of was to become his wife in the the Army entertainment division them at sixpence a copy; he trumpet to the band and various early 1920s. Jack and Ennis spilt known as N.A.C.A. This is the recording found that this was not a good rehearsal’s they succeeded in up in the 1930s but remained equivalent to WWII’s E.N.S.A. that they business move. It is thought that playing a reasonable version of married until the death of Ennis Shortly after demob Jack was hired a at this time Jack wrote the music the Whiteman recording. This in 1957. It is recorded that back to concert party work and gramophone for a burlesque show called tune was called ‘ilo’. Jack then Jack said “the job as organist was working in Bangor, North for him and ‘Seasoned to Taste’, playing began to rework various other was not very rewarding except Wales and it was here that he sent him at the Metropolitan, Edgware tunes by Whiteman and others. for now I am now working in became conductor of the touring Road. Jack then took a job with The band went on to record home to London with more chance to version of the Drury Lane show a prominent London based four sides (2 78rpm records) better my career”. In 1914 a new Shanghai. It was also at this write the music publishing firm as a song- for HMV at its studio in Hayes, club called The 400 (later The time that he teamed up with music. promoter, earning £2.00 a week. Middlesex on May 28th 1921. Embassy Club) was opened in ITMA’s Tommy Handley. When Claude Ivy, a respected and The band got paid £35 for the Bond Street with the backing of the show came to an end the gifted pianist was working for session giving each member the Queen’s Dance Orchestra, £5 each. The band continued the band that played on the to record for HMV but Jack was Roof Garden at the Queen’s unhappy that he was being Hall, in Langham Place. Jack paid the same as the other would eventually be relief pianist band members when he was here playing mainly waltz duets doing all the transcriptions and with violinist Dickie de Pauw. arrangements. With his name For Jack this was another step now being printed on each towards his aim of moving into record label (‘directed by Jack the world of Jazz and Dance Hylton’) Jack was happy as he Band music. While there, saw this as greater importance the Dance Hall owner’s wife than a few extra pounds. The returned from a trip to America band was also releasing tunes with Paul Whiteman’s first on the Zonophone label as Jack recording. On hearing this Jack Hylton’s Jazz Band. With his (as well as the others present) name on the label of the HMV realised that the club band records it was Jack who kept was far inferior to Whiteman’s the HMV contract and not the and so decided to change their band. After being ousted by the playing. Whiteman and his band Jack went on to bigger band were playing from music things gaining a job (with the where-as they were playing wage of £120 a week) for an

12 13 eight-piece band at the Grafton better props and scenery for the Galleries. Within a few weeks show. During the years 1925 Monsieur Henri (the owner of and 26 Jack received many The Queen’s) was asking Jack offers of work, leading him to to return to Queen’s with his new organise new bands and leaders band, which he did securing pay under the Jack Hylton banner. of £135 per week. There was The Jack Hylton Kit-Kat Band, The Piccadilly On January 10th 1923 the first Revels Band, Jack Hylton and HMV sessions were recorded His Orchestra and The Metro- under the new banner of Jack Gnomes. The only connection Hylton and his Orchestra. between the bands was that the band For the next two decades Jack was paying them all. The became a Jack’s reputation and success great Max Wall was working as continued to grow. a dancer for Jack at this time. necessity for dancing, In 1925 Jack started to run a The next stage of Jack’s career also booking agency. He left the was his most successful but becoming Queen’s only when a much much less documented. He hugely better offer came from The would continue to expand his popular on Piccadilly Hotel. The band, empire of bands and acts and A very early picture America, from the offices of Eve, at the Empire Theatre in increased in size was offered an his new outfit also was then of the Queens Hall Edgar Leshes on Broadway, Paris. It made sense for the the concert Band. eight week contract which was to perform at The Royal Albert via the Transatlantic Telephone band to tour Europe during the stage. extended. Jack then decided Hall on December 19th 1926. Service. This new tune cost Christmas season, as most to take the band to the variety On New Year ’s Eve 1926 a reported £150, the piece British theatres were tied up with stage as well as recording. Jack Hylton and his Orchestra Shepherd of the Hills, was a pantomime run, so each year This became a shrewd move were featured on a BBC Radio arranged and played that night, at this time Hylton would look as the band became more than broadcast. The other bands on becoming an ‘instant hit’. The elsewhere for the best theatres a necessity for dancing, also the show were The Kit-Kat Club name of the tune was reported in the biggest cities round becoming hugely popular on the Band, The Metro-Gnomes and as to have come from a horse Europe. The first tour was hugely concert stage. After a few venue The Piccadilly Revels Band all name in a local newspaper. successful, and stayed for twelve changes (The Kit-Kat Club, The under the Jack Hylton banner. Soon after this, Jack was nights before moving to the Scala Bedford Theatre and others) involved in a severe car crash Theatre in Berlin, where they receiving the sum of £50 from The first few weeks of January on his way to the HMV studios in remained for a month. In just each venue for a nights playing 1927 included an event that Middlesex and was hospitalised three years the band had become things became a little tight, but has become part of Hylton for four weeks. His band carried the biggest attraction in Britain Jack could sense that eventually folklore, known as the ‘3,000 on their engagements with Noel and quickly equalled that status it would pay off, and pay off it miles a second hit New York D’Amato (the alto saxophone all over Europe. 1928 would be did. A couple of weeks later the to London hit’. Ennis Hylton, and guitar player, as well as equally busy. On their return from band played for the high sum their manager George Samson deputy leader at the time) in the first continental tour, they of £120 at the Holborn Empire and composer Horatio Nicholls charge. For the rest of his life embarked on a busy tour of the and then the Alhambra for £175, set sail for America onboard Jack sported a long scar on his provinces. On March 1st, the where they opened on March the S.S. Majestic, while Jack left cheek. band again played for a Royal 5th 1925. A year later the band stayed at home on tour with the Command Performance, this time had completed thirty six weeks band. Nicholls had promised The end of 1927 saw the band at the London Casino. Following playing at this venue. Jack an arrangement for Jack and embark on their first continental this success they began their would use his own money to get apparently, this came from tour, beginning on New Year’s second continental tour, playing

14 15 at The Palace Theatre, Paris for into Brussels. During this period two weeks, in Marseilles for ten several band members had days, then returning to Paris, to left to pursue other careers, Blitz & Bananas! the Empire Theatre for another but Hylton continued to add Member Anna Littler gives an update on the success of the film. three weeks. An anonymous new talent and seemed able to critic suggests that the Paris spot musicians who would later buzzing as people left the auditorium - audience were being treated to become household names in moved and entertained by the inspiring something very special. their own right. Clem Lawton took story. over on bass (both brass and Jack Hylton and his boys were string bass), Hugo Rignold joined Due to the great feedback we’ve now a recognised band in the violin section, Leo Vauchant received from adults and children Paris, where the standard of became trombonist and arranger he could alike we screened the film again, on good dance orchestras was (and would later write for MGM), afford to turn 8th July and were delighted to have fairly low. He had shown them and Peter Yorke started as pianist down the vintage cars, WW2 pilots, guests in quite a lot of things they did (and would later work as a film offer of 1940’s costume, wartime props and not know before, both in style, composer). Other musicians memorabilia, music and entertainment £40,000... accuracy, and last, but not least, would come and go, but the and a chance to play ‘shove ha’penny’! stagecraft. The band was kept standard of the band never If anyone is interested in organising on stage for nearly an hour, dropped. their own screening in the future at which tells its own story. This clubs, schools or theatres etc. please tour took the band to April 21st, Yet again, the band was working contact Anna for details and a booking and they then began a nine- on New Year’s Eve, this time A big thank you to Ian and members form. Reviews and photos can be day tour of the provinces back at the invitation of the head of of the 1940’s Society for their interest seen at www.blitzandbananas.com. in Britain, before embarking on Citroen cars for the Citroen New in Blitz & Bananas, a WW2 feature- The DVD for personal use is due out April 30th on two, week long Year Ball. Naturally, Jack was length film, made over the last 2 years later in the summer but can be pre- shows, first at the Holborn given a new car for his troubles, in the Bromley and Orpington area in ordered from: B&B, 28 Gumping Rd, Empire, and then the Finsbury as well as being paid in the SE London / NW Kent. 150 people Orpington, BR5 1RX with a cheque Empire. region of £1,700 for this one locally got involved in all aspects of payable to Anna Littler. DVDs are performance. The following day, film production, including fabulous TV £12 and CDs (of the amazing musical It is documented that in July with engagements elsewhere, actors, Brian Murphy and Linda Regan score) are £10. Postage is £2 per item. 1928 Hylton was now so Hylton hired two planes to take - but the star of the film is the little girl successful that he could afford the band the necessary six who plays 4-year old Bessie Smiley! to turn down the offer of £40,000 hundred miles to the next venue. It is a heart-warming adventure about for the exclusive services of They were back to Paris the a courageous little girl, a grumpy old his band at London’s Leicester following day, and eventually man, a Prisoner of War from Biggin Square Empire. returned home to London on Hill and a banana! January 6th, 1929. 1928 had By October, the band were been a landmark year for the Our Premiere at the Churchill Theatre embarking on their third band, and 1929 would prove to in Bromley attracted 1500 people to 2 continental tour, beginning in be equally important and even packed out performances, who were Cologne, on to Frankfurt, then more successful. greeted on their arrival by 3 vintage onto Berlin for a four week cars and their RAF drivers, as well as run back at the Scala Theatre. With even more success to come Gypsy John and his 1940’s dancers. By December 13th, the band, join me in the next issue for the Inside the theatre were various including their first featured second instalment of The Jack wartime displays, one of which was vocalist, Sam Browne, had Hylton Story. kindly arranged by Carol Harris and worked their way round Europe Mike Brown. The atmosphere was Photographs by Simon Earwicker/Ced Verdon.

16 17 Air Raid siren the couple can be so I went as a Naval Officer and A Passion for Policing seen on their bicycles urging the Jackie went in WAF uniform Husband and Wife Barry and The police station that Barry public to retire to the closest air as her mother was in the WAF. Jackie Anscomb-moon have a and Jackie have created really raid shelter and they are often That was how it all started. We very particular interest in the is a masterpiece of ingenuity. needed to bring ‘Spivs’ and were later asked to do a police 1940s. Barry is a gas engineer It’s a static, walk in police other unscrupulous characters display at the Watercress Line whose main hobby used to be station in which the public can back to the Police Station for 40s weekend which we did in fishing and Jackie works in the come in and see all the various questioning. Re-enactment one of the waiting rooms. It was finance department of the local artefacts to get an idea of how often includes some ‘tongue in very successful and we were council. Fishing has now taken a wartime police station would cheek’ scenarios but these have asked to display at the event at a back seat for Barry as their have looked and operated. a serious purpose. They serve Detling. We were delighted to be lives are now transformed by The cell door that you can look to highlight the very important asked as its one of the biggest an interest in the wartime police through and demonstrations role of the wartime police force shows in the country but were a force. Having constructed a of how fingerprints were taken and also give the public the little shocked when we were told complete mobile police station are particularly popular with the opportunity to step forward and that there were no buildings and they take it to events all over children. chat with Barry & Jackie. we had to build the whole thing. the country where they talk “Our interest started when we We weren’t put off and this is the about the police force at war Their police activities are not went to Goodwood Revival” result.” and educate visitors about some always so tranquil. Many 1940s says Barry. “Everyone was dressed in period costume. My Jackie and Barry have built Jackie and Barry in of the difficulties of wartime events also include far more their ‘mobile’ police policing. active roles. At the sound of the family have naval connections up an impressive collection station.

18 19 great interest in the Women’s Auxiliary Police Corp which is less well known about and it’s The Reminiscence great to raise the profile of them and the police generally.” Box Project We all get a great deal of from Kent Libraries but they Jackie and Barry both agreed enjoyment from our interest are often left unopened due to that the worst thing about re- in the 1940s, whether it be lack of staff time. Volunteers enactment is the weather and from re-enactment, collecting, spend time looking through in particular the rain. It takes dancing or some other aspect. these themed boxes with the couple a good two and a Getting involved with projects older people, listening to half hours to set up the police such as the ‘Red Reading and them sharing their memories station and wet weather doesn’t Reminiscence Box Project’ is not and hearing some wonderful The fingerprint of police equipment, furniture make it any easier. They are cabinet that was only doing a great service and stories into the bargain.” and related ephemera in the planning on constructing a saved from making a difference to some of destruction. few years they have been re- larger Police Station in the future the elderly in our communities Reminiscence is particularly enacting. Most items are original and have already had to buy a but can also be a very rewarding beneficial to people with but sometimes replicas have to long wheelbase transit van to experience. dementia, as the long term be bought or made. Items come transport what they have. A 7 ½ memory is stronger than the from junk shops, the internet and ton truck could be next! are sometimes even given to the Laura Piper is Project Manager short term. at the charity ‘CSV Red Reading couple. “The fingerprint cabinet When asked what advice they and Reminiscence Box Project’; As well as being project is something that was given to would give to new re-enactors “the Project exists to recruit, manager Laura runs the us” says Jackie. “It was given Barry says “you must do your train and support volunteers who sessions at Dartford Age UK to us by a police officer from homework and pay attention to will run fortnightly or monthly day centre, “Our themes over the Avon and Somerset force. detail. It’s no good just turning reading and/or reminiscence the last couple of months If we hadn’t had it, it was going up in something from a fancy sessions in care homes and were ‘At Home’ and funnily to go in the skip. It’s complete dress shop. You need to know day centres across the county. enough, the Second World with the block on the top where that you’ve got everything right ‘Viv the Spiv’ These organisations receive War. Activities included looking you roll the ink and the bar on as the public will catch you out helping out at red boxes (hence the name) at old packaging, vintage the right holds the paper. All if you’re not absolutely sure of Dartfort Age UK First Aid Kits, photographs the inks, forms and rollers are your facts.” day centre kept inside. I wonder how many of Homefront Dartford and we rounded off with criminals had their fingerprints You can find out more and ‘Blackmarket Britain’ and taken on that.” see what events they will be guess who showed up... attending by visiting Jackie see the accompanying The couple find the best thing and Barry’s website at: www. photograph. about their hobby is meeting thelawatwar.co.uk people and exchanging knowledge. “We can tell others If you would like to get about the difficult role the police involved or find out more had in wartime Britain” Says please contact Laura on Jackie, “But we also meet many 01622 230722/ 07902 ex-police officers who can tell 358898, email us some of the everyday details [email protected] or visit that you can’t find in a book or www.csv.org.uk on the internet. I’ve also got a

20 21 Events Diary the Japanese guards from their brutal slave Not a complete Weaponry o Vintage Bus o Monty o ‘Music memorabilia, thrilling battles, educational 13 July 2012 driving in prisoner of war camps and on the listing of The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks of the 1940’s’ Singer Pete Jones, talks and demonstrations plus living history building of the infamous Burma-Siam everything that’s Dr John Ray entertaining with the popular sounds of camp. Lots going on so visit www. Railway line. His conjuring both saved his going on but a 1941 – Hitlers Year of Madness Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Benny lythamwarweekend.co.uk for more details. life and very nearly lost him his life. A true A lecture by Dr John Ray Goodman, Cole Porter, Irvin Berlin and few events that survivor, he is today the oldest member of 1941 was a pivotal year of the Second more. With support from UK Home Front may be of interest 18th - 19th August 2012 the Magic Circle. World War. The two great opposing leaders and Virtue to Victory, we encourage you to Ramsey 1940’s Weekend to members. We are delighted that Fergus will be with us Hitler and Churchill vowed to fight on to the come along dressed in your 1940’s best! Situated at The Camp in Ramsey, this to talk about his wartime experiences and bitter end and the Citizens of Britain faced Admission Adults £4.50 / Children FREE. family fun weekend has something for allow as this unique opportunity to hear the More are listed on the continued hardship of life under the everyone. Tank rides, musical very moving details of his life as a Japanese the website at continued bombing raids. It is often said that If you would like to get involved or require entertainment, trade stands, vintage civilian Prisoner of War. www.1940.co.uk the two biggest mistakes that Hitler made more information please contact Niki/ and military vehicles, living history displays, 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near were the war against Russia and the war Gemma on 0114 2010610 or events@simt. Cinema showing films of the era, home front Sevenoaks, Kent. against America. Both of these decisions co.uk exhibits and much, much more. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 took place in 1941. Dr Ray will be Admission £3 discussing these and many other aspects 28th - 29th July 2012 Friday night: Blitz Night Dance, enjoy music of this important wartime year. Thanet at War - 1940s Weekend & entertainment from the era to get you in 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near At Government Acre, Royal Esplanade, the spirit of the weekend only £8.00 per 6th October 2012 Stage Door Canteen authentic 1940s night Sevenoaks, Kent. Further details from Ian Ramsgate. person. Saturday - Big Band Evening with Pratts Bottom, Kent on 01732 452505 Admission £3 Entertainment from Dickie Lines, Swingtime the Sticky Wicket Swing Band, dance the Authentic 1930s hall and Resident DJ Sweethearts, Tony Rice, Cinque Ports Lindy night away for £17.50 per person. Civilian ‘Swing Shift’ Chris Reynolds recreating that Hoppers. Wartime fashion show. Small and military period dress encouraged. You 13th - 15th July 2012 fantastic atmosphere of a wartime night out Vintage Festival 2012 fairground and Punch and Judy for the have to be over 12 years to attend though. for all guests to enjoy! PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT WILL children. Military and civilian vehicles and Dress code is strictly 1940s Allied military NO LONGER TAKE PLACE living history displays including 212 Daily entry prices are £8.00 adult, £5.00 uniform or authentic 1940s fashion for the Visit: www.vintagefestival.com for further Squadron, stalls etc. Admission by senior citizen/junior, under 5’s free. A family ladies, with matching hairstyle of course details. programme, £1 per adult. ticket for 2 adults plus 2 children or 1 adult (Stage Door Canteen staff reserves the right plus 3 children is available £22.00. Evening dance ( off-site) with Gypsy John to refuse entry on the night if not 14th July 2012 Lots going on so visit www. playing the music. appropriately dressed). Tickets are £8 each Victory Dance - Jump for Joy 44 ramsey1940sweekend.info for more details Further info, including initial contact for and can only be booked in advance via Yalding Village Hall, Lyngs Close, Yalding, or call 07881 730047. dance bookings, phone Mike 01843 594562 07944 105146 or nr. Maidstone, Kent ME18 6JT / 07979435622 or Angela 07782 222790 [email protected]. DJ Gypsy John with Memphis Belle, the 25th-27th August 2012 Your ticket will include a voucher for one Twinwood Festival Cinque Port Lindy Hoppers, the Charleston free beverage. 11th August 2012 Twinwood Arena, Bedfordshire MK41 6AB Dolls and table magic with Greg Kirby. Large dance floor, free parking, Bring your FREE Charitable 1940’s event Twinwood Festival incorporates the Glenn 30th November 2012 own drinks & nibbles, Free tea & coffee. The GUILDHALL, SANDWICH, KENT, Miller Festival of Swing, Jazz, Jive and The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Dress Code: 1940s civilian, allied uniform or 10:30am - 4:30pm Rock ‘n’ Roll. This is THE largest and best, Neil Barber - Parachute Doctor. smart. Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the 40’s Sweet heart Kas, Fiona Harrison, annual, vintage music, dance and fashion Captain David Tibbs RAMC MC as a night. For further details: 01233 758792, or Cinque Port Lindi Hoppers, Entertainment, festival in the UK. With air displays, hangar member of 225 (Parachute) Field www.cinqueportsswingjive.com . Vintage Vehicles, Trade stands, Food Stalls, dances, fashion shows, comedy shows, Ambulance and the 13th Parachute Charity bargain stalls. over 150 trade stalls, dance lessons & Battalion served with the 5th Parachute For more information: Phone: 07825 workshops, food and bars, museums, living 18 - 22 July 2012 Brigade of the famous 6th Airborne Division. 214377 or E-mail : jenny@wilkie3282. history, classic vehicles, camping and more. The War & Peace Show - The Hop Farm, His fascinating story includes jumping into freeserve.co.uk With over 50 bands and ten venues within Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY Normandy on D-Day and fighting alongside the festival site, there is always plenty of The largest Military Vehicle show in the the Japanese on the island of Java. His choice to suit all musical tastes. world. Visit: www.thewarandpeaceshow.com 11th - 12th August 2012 fascinating story and experiences are Crich Tramway Village 1940s weekend available in a new book “Parachute Doctor” Lots going on so visit www.twinwoodfestival. 21st - 22nd July 2012 Crich Tramway Village, nr Matlock, from Neil Barber. This evening Neil Barber com for more details or call: 01923 282725 Kelham Island Museum 1940s Vintage Derbyshire, DE4 5DP will be giving an illustrated talk about the Summer Fayre Always a wonderful and relaxed 1940s extraordinary experiences of David Tibbs Kelham Island Museum, Alma Street, event with plenty to see and do. 28th September 2012 both during and after D-Day. Neil has Sheffield, S3 8RY Anyone in 1940s dress will be admitted on The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks written a number of detailed books on the a weekend of live music and dance, the day for a discounted rate of £8. An Evening with Fergus Anckorn. events of D-Day and is an expert on the re-enactments, vintage stalls, living history For more details visit www.tramway.co.uk or In 1937, Fergus Anckorn, at 18, became the role of the Parachute Battalion’s activities. home front family fun, 1940’s kitchen and call 01773 854321 youngest ever member of the Magic Circle. We are delighted to have him come and talk much more set in the ambient setting of When war came in 1939, he gave service to us. 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Kelham Island Museum. Highlights include: 18th - 19th August 2012 not only as a gunner in the Royal Artillery Sevenoaks, Kent. o UK’s number one George Formby 1940’s Lytham Wartime Weekend but also as a conjuror entertaining fellow Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 lookalike entertainer P.E.C Esquire o 1940s The Green, Lytham, Lancashire FY8 5LB troops. After being captured in the Far East Admission £3 DJ Major Swing o Military Vehicles & Historic Vehicles, music and dance, he was ultimately to use his skills to distract 22 23 The 1940’s Society Membership Application (half year 2012)

Fill in your application to ensure you get future copies of the magazine for the rest of 2012 (or join online at www.1940.co.uk) and have access to the member website area.

I hope you have found this issue both interesting and informative and would like to receive it on a regular basis.

Please use this form (or a copy) or join online at www.1940.co.uk if you would like to continue to receive the magazine for the rest of 2012.

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Issue 74 Issue 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX

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