On the Home Front, 1939-45 - fantastic 40s fun!

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September 2010, 11am to 5pm 

Free admission (A  modest visitor car parking charge applies).

All allied and civilian 1940s re-enactors, vehicle owners and enthusiasts are warmly invited to participate*

Our fourth great 1940s event at Rufford!. View photos taken last year by Red Zebra (click on Albums) and OSB Media.

Rufford was used as a training ground by troops and armoured military units in World War II, so a fitting (as well as very attractive) venue for this popular nostalgic weekend event which brings the sights, sounds, emotions and excitement of those wartime years back to life.

There's a great line-up of performers (some subject to final confirmation) - visitors can meet ‘Winston Churchill’, ‘General Montgomery’, and many army, navy, air force and other wartime personnel, as well as civilians and children, all in period dress. Here's just some of the things to see and enjoy -  troops on manoeuvres along with vehicles, 25-pounder gun firings, an air raid plotting room, interactive display about the Battle of Britain, and ‘Mr Punch versus Adolf Hitler’ puppet show. You can join in with your favourite songs during the concert parties, and enjoy the period dance displays – have go yourself! See wartime fire pumps and equipment in action, British and American military police on security checks, (do you have your ID papers?!!) buy period items from the 1940’s market, take a close-up look at military and civilian period vehicles and much more!

Participants (so far, its early days and many more are expected to confirm!)

The excellent line up of performers and participants includes (in alphabetical order) Ancient Wisdom (with his interactive Battle of Britain display and old favourit, Mr Punch vs Adolf Hitler); Axeholme Heavy Horses (Land Army display); Circle of Friends (Field dressing station); David McLoughlin (Mater of Ceremonies); the East Yorkshire Regiment (British infantry 1944); The Festival Swing Dancers; Fire Service Preservation Group/Notts Auxiliary Fire Service (firemen); Foreign Field (battle school for children); Gang of 4ts (Wartime British); Histeria (SAS living history & exhibits);  The Lost Patrol (US paratroopers), Lovat Scouts (Scots snipers and mountain/ski troops); Major Swing (music DJ);  Mansfield Fire Museum (fire engine and exhibition); Marth'a War (cookery); National Fire Service (firemen and pump); Notts & Derby Pals (British army); The Spitfires (RAF singing trio and fashion show); Virtue to Victory (Women's Land Army); The Writing 69th (USAF reporter); together with strolling couples & individuals, plus numerous period vehicles. Please revisit for updates as our line up develops.

All allied and civilian 1940s re-enactors, vehicle owners and enthusiasts are warmly invited to participate, particularly Battle of Britain era on this, the 70th anniversary*. Please note though, except for Italian POW impressions (very welcome as they were present at Rufford), no German/Axis impressions are permitted in order to preserve the Home Front theme. However, (non-SS) Axis impressions are very welcome, together with allies and civilians, at our multi-period extravaganza at the Sheffield Fayre on August Bank Holiday*. Thank you.

* So long as you agree agree to abide by our terms and conditions of participation! Classic and military vehicle owners please click here. Groups or individuals wishing to participate in this event are invited to register with us, so we can forward full details, and to click the link (left) for our terms and conditions.

There's a free admission 40s dance on Saturday with music, song and dance in the double marquee with dance floor, for registered event participants (only). Rufford Abbey Country Park regret that this evening event is not open to the public.

Timetable of displays and activities

Please revisit for more information nearer the time.

Visiting picturesque Rufford Country Park

The main entrance to Rufford is situated on the A614 Nottingham-Doncaster road, 2 miles south of Ollerton and 17 miles north of Nottingham. The park offers lots for visitors to see and enjoy:

- the remains of the 12th century Cistercian abbey with an exhibition on the life of the monks who once lived there

- craft centre and gallery with changing exhibits

- craft shop

- coach house, offering a variety of snacks and drinks

- Savile Restaurant, serving home-cooked lunches and traditional cream teas

- Children's play area

- restored former orangery and bath house

- formal gardens, including a herb garden and the Rufford Sculpture collection

- Reg Hookway memorial Arboretum with a range of trees

- lake with a variety of wildfowl

- lakeside garden shop at Rufford Mill

- outdoor living store

- teddy bear shop

- woodland walks

- remains of two ice houses

- animal graves including the famous Derby winner, Cremorne

- picnic area and children's playground

Other events 2010

Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan.

Updated 10 March 2010