It’s war - but not as we knew it
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 10 August 2009
Photo: Chris Sunderland
V FOR VICTORY... ‘Winston Churchill’ leads the parade
Wings glinting in bright summer sunshine, an heroic Second World War emblem stirred the hearts of thousands yesterday.
One of the last two Lancaster bombers in airworthy condition spread a nostalgic shadow over the valleys in an emotional fly-past at Saddleworth Wartime Weekend celebrations.
The flight, a highlight of a packed programme, took on added poignancy as this year’s event coincided with the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Tony Whalley, from the Manchester Military Vehicle Trust who staged the event, said: “It’s a piece of living history.”
The bomber, which made its first pass over crowded Churchill playing fields, Greenfield, at 4.12 pm, brought back memories.
Former RAF man and Saddleworth parish councillor Royce Franklin said: “The sound of the Lancaster’s engines rekindled childhood memories of them flying over our house on their return from a mission.”
Earlier, more than 100 military vehicles, from 1914 to the Gulf War, rolled through villages flanked by hundreds of well-wishers who turned out for the event.
But the fabled Lancaster, which then headed for Nottingham, was a fitting finale for the event which, along with brilliant sunshine, drew record crowds to Saddleworth.
And, after most people had trekked home, villagers got a surprise treat — a visit from the Red Arrows returning from an airshow on the coast.
“It took everyone unawares,” said Mr Whalley . “Most of us had already left the showground at Greenfield.
“I plan to send all the fliers some of special commemorative mugs of the event as a souvenir.”
From Friday, scores of people dressed in military uniforms and 1940s fashions poured into the villages. The air was filled with wartime songs and dance tunes and pubs and clubs overflowed.
The weekend focused on parades, displays and re-enactments, with an exciting entertainment-packed programme, opening with a sell-out concert at Uppermill’s civic hall.
On Saturday, a tea dance, hosted by B17 Boogie, at the parish hall, Lee Street, added a touch of swing music with a dazzling, sell-out, ‘Jitterbug Jump’ at the civic hall.
Yesterday, Oldham’s Mayor, Councillor Jim McArdle — standing with a Field Marshall Montgomery-lookalike — took the salute from Royal British Legion members who headed a parade through the village.
As a further nostalgic touch, a Churchill look-alike stood in the lead jeep as the parade was cheered through Uppermill.
And a scene from the blockbusting film “Yanks” was re-enacted in the Square at Dobcross where part of the movie was filmed.
Mr Whalley, a 62-year-old sheet metal worker from Hollins, declared: “Everything went like clockwork. There we no major hitches.
“And, most importantly, everyone who took part, or who simply came along to share the fun, had a terrific time. Visitor numbers broke all records.”
He said: “It was specifically aimed at Saddleworth and we wanted to involve all the locals and link to community-based organisations too.
“We are already looking at plans for next year.”
