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.

Participants (so far!)

The excellent line up of performers and participants includes (in alphabetical order) 101st Airborne (US paratroopers); Ancient Wisdom (with his interactive Battle of Britain display and old favourite, Mr Punch vs Adolf Hitler); Axeholme Heavy Horses (Land Army display); Robert Burns (Winston Churchill); Coopers General Store (1940s shop); The Diggers Living History Group (Australian soldiers);  David McLoughlin (Master 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); The Forties Chums (civilians); Gang of 4ts (Wartime British); Gold Beach and 2nd Tales (medical display); Histeria (SAS living history & exhibits);  The Lost Patrol (US paratroopers), Lovat Scouts (Scots snipers and mountain/ski troops); Major Swing (music);  Mansfield Fire Museum (fire engine and exhibition); Martha's War (cookery with wartime rations); National Fire Service (firemen and pump); Newark & Sherwood Museum Service; Notts & Derby Living History Association (British army); The Spitfires (RAF singing trio and fashion show); Starcraft Owners and Social Club; Virtue to Victory (Women's Land Army); Stuart Parkin (ex-Merlin tank engine); The Writing 69th (USAF reporter); together with strolling couples & individuals, plus numerous period vehicles, both military and civilian.

Plus Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota flypast on Saturday.

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 shortly for the confirmed timetable.

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 23 August 2010

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Updated 9 April 2010