Tank tales at 40s weekend

Reporter: KEN BENNETT
Date published: 25 July 2014


A SECOND World War tank veteran will take centre stage at a unique “living museum” this weekend.

John Wyman will regale an audience at Saddleworth Parish Church with “Tankies Tales” — stories and memories of his wartime experiences.

It is part of a free, family-based Pennine 1940s Military Weekend linking the St Chads Parish church to the nearby Church Inn and Cross Keys in a military vehicle and re-enactment show.

And organisers are promising two days of fascinating history mixed with fun giving visitors and military enthusiasts a chance to share a very important series of events.

It will cover history from 1914 to present day showing Oldham and Saddleworth’s significant military and civilian attachments.

Tomorrow, there will be SAS, desert, medical and German displays plus an array of period military vehicles at the Church Inn and outside the church.

A 1940s DJ and live singer will perform throughout the day and Mr Wyman’s talk takes place at 2.30pm in the church.

A display of post war vehicles and equipment will be in show the Cross Keys with a DJ and entertainment throughout the day and evening.

The Pennine 1940s Military Weekend opens from 11am-11.30p.m tomorrow and noon-4pm on Sunday.

Information on the event can be found on Facebook on the “Pennine 1940s Military Weekend” page and via a centralised telephone number: 01457 820319.