Forward march as Yanks back in action

A CONVOY of military vehicles rumbles through Uppermill during last year’s Wartime Weekend in Uppermill

THE Saddleworth Wartime Weekend, which attracts thousands of visitors to the villages, is to go ahead under a new name.

The turnaround comes a week after the event, scheduled to take place over three days in mid-August, was cancelled when the original organising committee encountered problems securing the venue, Churchill playing fields in Greenfield.

But today, Paul “Dog Tags” Higginson announced the new show — The Yanks are back in Saddleworth — will be going ahead on August 13, 14 and 15, the same dates as the original Wartime Weekend.

He said the committee of five, including four from the North-West Military Vehicle Trust, where members of last year’s committee.

“It will be a great fun weekend,” Mr Higginson promised. “All entertainment will be in keeping with the 1940s and my team are looking forward to a successful show.

“The show has been running successfully for nine years and we look forward to many years to come.”

He added: “All charities and stalls have been booked and all promotional material has gone to print.”

The colourful event was billed as offering a fantastic weekend of nostalgic entertainment.

Organised by the Manchester branch of the Military Vehicle Trust, the original committee was headed by Saddleworth businessman and military vehicle enthusiast Jonathan Williamson, supported by Keith Broome and Tony Whalley.

Mr Williamson said last week: “We are very disappointed to have to make this decision to cancel — but our event will definitely not take place.”

And in a note circulated to local businesses and supporters, Warwick Boulton, Manchester branch secretary of MVT, said: “We have been unable to secure the Churchill playing field and it is with regret the Wartime Weekend organised by us, along with local business sponsors, has been cancelled.”

l One casualty of the revived event is a visit by a wartime Dakota as the finale to a Battle of Britain flypast, while a Winston Churchill look-alike will also now not take part. Mr Williamson said: “The Dakota’s visit has been scrapped and Winston Churchill’s look-alike will not be appearing”.