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Stoke Bruerne’s Award Winning War Weekend Goes with a Bang

The canal village of Stoke Bruerne resounded to the sound of mortar and gunfire over the weekend for a repeat of it’s now annual World War II re-enactment staged by The Friends of The Canal Museum.

The colourful 40s event was opened on Saturday morning by local MP Andrea Leadsom accompanied by Churchill (aka canal personality Ken Roseblade) and Field Marshall Montgomery (Alan Oliver).

This year’s event was bigger and better than ever, with a vintage fair complete with dodgems and a helter-skelter. Attractions also included a replica Spitfire, musical entertainers George Formby (aka Paul Casper) and Lola Lamour; and a special Land Army display featuring vintage tractors and a Dig for Victory garden along with farm implements and static animals. Even the poor weather on Sunday didn’t deter families from turning out to experience what it was like to live in the austere 40s and learn how to do the “Lambeth Walk” at the popular afternoon tea dances. There was plenty to do for the children too – with Wild About Waterways running activities in the Canal Museum which was offering free admission on both days. And as usual, there was plenty of activity on the water with boat trips and vintage boats, as well as trading boats selling black market cheese and delicious fudge.

A £50 prize to the “best dressed house” in Stoke Bruerne judged by “Churchill”, who toured the village by jeep, was won by Rory O’Farrell and his partner Kirsty at Rosebud Cottage who not only taped up their windows, but hung out bunting and played stirring wartime music to entertain the passing crowds.

All surplus proceeds go to The Friends of The Canal Museum, in their work supporting the Museum and the event also benefits local charities and organisations such as Greyhound Rescue, the Village School, RSPCA, Stoke Bruerne Parish Church and Scouts.