The 1940s Weekend took place on two days, the 14th & 15th August, from 10am to 5pm.
We would very much like to thank our business sponsors.
Willy’s Ice Cream, Tavistock
West Country Financial Services, Tavistock
M&B Residential Lettings, Derriford
Royal Oak, Meavy
Chilcott’s Law
The 80th Anniversary of the opening of RAF Harrowbeer at Yelverton (on the 15th August 1941) was commemorated last weekend with two days of 1940s nostalgia, organised by the RAF Harrowbeer Interest Group. Highlight of the event was the huge, static, Packard Merlin engine which delighted the large crowds with regular engine runs. There were WWII re-enactors everywhere, covering British, American and Russian troops, plus a large selection of lovingly restored military vehicles, all helping to turn back the clock to a different age. There was also an area set aside for vintage and classic cars and bikes. Visitors could also have a trip on a vintage double-decker bus, or ride behind the Robey Trust’s road-roller ‘Bullet’. Period musical entertainment was provided by the 1940s Radio Station and with songs from Bern Stewart. Lead organiser of the event Stephen Fryer, said that he wanted to thank everyone who helped make the weekend so enjoyable, despite the overcast weather. He added, “Our free 1940s weekend is a unique event in the calendar and after missing the last two years, it was great to be back. The only disappointment was the cancellation of a BBMF Spitfire Flypast on the Sunday because of the low cloud.”
Saturday 14th Events:
11am: Service of Remembrance adjacent to the Airfield Trust Memorial beside Knightstone Tea Rooms.
All day: Vintage music from the 1940s Radio Station and Bern Stewart
Packard Merlin Engine: Regular start-ups of the famous engine that powered many fighters and bombers.
Traction engine rides provided by the Robey Trust.
Vintage bus rides on a Leyland Atlantean (provided by the South Devon Railway.)
Military vehicles, classic cars, living history displays, 1940s re-enactors. (as listed below)
City of Plymouth Model Boat Club
Sunday 15th Events:
Spitfire Flypast cancelled due to bad weather
All day: Vintage music from the 1940s Radio Station and Bern Stewart
Packard Merlin Engine: Regular start-ups of the famous engine that powered many fighters and bombers.
Traction engine rides provided by the Robey Trust.
Vintage bus rides on a Leyland Atlantean (provided by the South Devon Railway.)
Military vehicles, classic cars, living history displays, 1940s re-enactors, (as listed below).
Living History Displays.
WWII Allied & AXIS Uniforms, Equipment & Weapons
12th Devonshire LHA
Utah 237th Re-enactment Group
Home Guard Auxiliary and WVS
Military, Vintage & Classic Vehicles
US 29th Division 1942 Willy’s Jeep
40 (RM) Willy’s Jeep
For GPW Jeep
1935 Austin Radio Car (British Army)
1940s Ford Prefect RAF Staff Car
Despatch Motorcycle (REME)
Dodge WC52
1943 BSA Parabike & 1944 Columbia Airfield Bike
MGB XPD 62G
Triumph Stag
Triumph Vitesse MkII
Austin Healey 1006
1940 Austin 8
Austin Mini
Massey Ferguson 2130
1975 Triumph 2000 TC
Citroen DS (1971)
Morris 8
Triumph 2500 Estate
…..and there were loads of other vehicles and bikes!
Catering
Royal Oak Meavy (Bar)
Dot-Teas (Cakes and Bakes, Cream Teas)
Andy’s Munchbox (Burger’s & Tea)
Hungry Hog South West (Hog Roast)
Authentic Thai Food (Thai Street Food)
Blue Skies Catering (sandwiches and jacket potatoes)
Trade Stalls and other Displays
TQ Mil (WWII Militaria)
Martyn Ward – Bric-a-Brac, Militaria & Curiosities
Tavistock Men in Sheds
Tavy Turners & Carvers (Woodturners)
Oakcroft Farm Produce (from Beaworthy)
DNPA
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