Yanks for the memories!

Photo: Paul Sterritt

Winston Churchill, played by Robbie Burns, gives the V for victory sign

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THOUSANDS lined the streets of Uppermill to applaud the military parade of the 16th Yanks Weekend.

The annual event celebrates the 1979 Richard Gere movie of the same name, which was filmed in and around Saddleworth.

Uppermill was transformed into a wartime village with visitors flocking from miles around to soak up the atmosphere. The undoubted highlight of the two-day event is a parade of military vehicles, this year headed by a Winston Churchill impersonator with his trademark cigar and bowler hat.

The parade was led by Scottish pipers and the convoy included tanks, police cars, ambulances and vintage civilian vehicles.

Mayor of Oldham Councillor Rehman said: “This is a fantastic event for families, and it gives a fascinating historical insight. It’s great to see everyone out enjoying themselves.”

The Mayor presided over a veterans tea party at Betty’s chip shop where he met 92-year-old Grotton man Cyril Gosling - one of the few surviving members of the 617 Dambuster Squadron.

Mr Gosling was delighted to be given a replica tea towel signed by members of his squadron. The signatures had been collected by a guesthouse owner who lived near his former Lincolnshire barracks.

After the parade, the crowd headed for Saddleworth School for dancing displays, singing and re-enactments among other attractions.

All eyes turned turned skywards on Saturday when a Spitfire flew over Saddleworth. But the planned flyover of a Dakota transport plane had to be called off yesterday due to an engine fault.

Organiser Paul Higginson said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend with a great turnout. There were 63 vehicles in the parade and everyone loved the Spitfire flyover.”