Alford 1940s Weekend: A Jolly Jaunt Back in Time

Ah, the Alford 1940s Weekend! Where else can you step back into an era when stockings were seamed, and spam was a luxury item? Darren and I arrived Friday evening with time to spare, eager to immerse ourselves in the nostalgia. After all, who wouldn’t want to relive the days of ration books and Victory Rolls?

First things first, we caught up with the lovely Bridget and Simon from the Lah Di Dahs, and the delightful Eleanor Mattley, who brought along her mum and the ever-charming Jack, a fabulous two-year-old with a smile that could melt even the sternest Home Guard. With so many familiar faces, it was already shaping up to be a splendid weekend.

We then decided to indulge in some proper British fare—fish and chips from the Jolly Friar. Now, if you’ve never had the pleasure of devouring your fish and chips in Alford’s market square, you’ve truly missed out. There’s something about the combination of crispy batter, golden chips, and the gentle hum of distant Glenn Miller tunes that just makes everything taste better. We sat there, munching away, and soaking in the atmosphere, feeling as though we’d been transported straight back to 1943.

After filling our bellies, we checked into our cosy Airbnb in Sutton on Sea, hosted by the wonderful Stephanie. She’s the kind of host who makes you feel like you’ve arrived at your favourite aunt’s house—warm, welcoming, and with a kettle that’s always on. A good night’s sleep was in order because Saturday was promising to be quite the adventure.

Saturday arrived, blustery as ever, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. The stage was set in the market place, right next to a majestic Spitfire—a sight to behold! Sharing the stage with Eleanor Mattley and Kyle Evans as George Formby was an absolute treat. The wind might have been playing havoc with our hair, but the crowd’s enthusiasm kept us going strong. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like belting out a tune while trying to keep your dress from flying over your head.

Saturday night was the grand dance, a chance to let our hair down and say a massive thank you to June, Denver, Bob, and Dan, who have been the heart and soul of the Alford 1940s Weekend for the past four years. Their dedication is nothing short of heroic—after all, who else could create four miles of bunting without going completely barmy? The dance itself was brilliant, with Major Swing and Kitty leading the way. We ended the night in true 1940s style, doing the conga through the market place, only to find ourselves locked out of the Corn Exchange! There’s nothing quite like a good laugh to end a fantastic evening.

Sunday greeted us with bright sunshine, perfect for catching up with old friends. We bumped into the Lah Di Dahs again, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. The day flew by in a whirlwind of vintage fashion, lively music, and plenty of cups of tea (and perhaps a sneaky G&T or two).

As the weekend drew to a close, there was a bittersweet feeling in the air. It’s the last year that June, Bob, and Dan will be organising the event, and it’s hard to imagine Alford 1940s Weekend without them. But what a weekend it was! Full of laughter, memories, and that special camaraderie that only comes from stepping back in time with a bunch of wonderful people.

So, until next time, keep calm, carry on, and if you ever find yourself near Alford, make sure to pop by the Jolly Friar for some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever taste!

Jayne Darling

1940s Dance with Jayne Darling & Major Swing and Kitty

When?
Saturday 4th March 2023

Time: 19:00 – 23:00

Where: Sawley Memorial Hall, Draycott Road, Nottingham NG10 3FR

Ticket Price is £10 and all profits go to Combat Stress.
Bring you own drink but teas, coffees and soft drinks will be available.

LOCAL 1940S SINGER BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE FOR THE VE75 CELEBRATIONS

On Friday May 8th Nottingham based 1940s singer Jayne Darling is bringing the spirit of wartime to lockdown as the country celebrates 75 years since the end of World War Two in Europe.

As part of the VE75 Celebrations Jayne and several other 1940s singers and entertainers from across the UK will be providing a free online concert via Facebook from 11 am in the morning through to the finale at 9 pm with each act presenting a solo performance. 

Jayne commented: “The 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe was going to be a huge celebration for our Country; now with social distances measures in place all of the events and street parties that were due to take place have been cancelled.  We wanted to ensure that the people of Britain could continue to celebrate from their own homes and we will be bringing music, laughter and joy to mark the occasion albeit virtually rather than in person.”

Jayne, along with other 1940s specialists, were gearing up for their busiest year with 100s of events taking place throughout May and she had been booked to perform at Wollaton Park as well as commitments for the Royal British Legion and various festivals across the 3 day weekend.

Whilst street parties are not currently an option households across the UK are being encouraged to decorate their houses with flags and bunting, host their own 1940s style tea party, dress up, sing dance and celebrate.  Please remember, parties should only be held with members of the same family/ household that you are isolating with, please do not invite people over and break any social distancing government regulations.

The all day concert will be broadcast via Facebook and more information can be found by searching VE DAY 1940s PERFORMERS EXTRAVAGANZA! 

Jayne Darling will be performing via her Facebook page at 6 pm. 

NOTES

Victory in Europe Day, generally known as VE Day, marks 8 May 1945, the day on which World War II in Europe ended.

• In the United Kingdom on 8 May 1945, more than one million people celebrated in the streets to mark the end of the European part of the war. In London, crowds massed in Trafalgar Square and up the Mall to Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the palace before the cheering crowds.
• VE Day is celebrated and remembered by people around Britain each year. The 70th anniversary of VE Day in 2015 was marked with a series of events across the UK. There were three days of commemorations including parades, street parties, a service of thanksgiving and a concert in central London.
• At 3pm on 8 May, VE Day, the nation will be asked to raise a glass to toast the heroes of World War II, wherever they are. Please make time during your party join in with the rest of the nation for this National Toast.

PERFORMANCES

Schedule of performances can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/203952501036743/

11 am – Kyle Evans as George Formby https://www.facebook.com/kyleevansasgeorgeformby

12 Noon – Jessa Liversidge https://www.facebook.com/Jessasongsfromtheheart

1 pm – Miss Madeline Brown – https://www.facebook.com/MissMaddieBrown

2 pm – Johnny Victory – https://www.facebook.com/johnny.victory.77

3 pm – Colin Bourdiec – www.facebook.com/colin.bourdiec

3.30 pm – Derek Herbert as Winston Churchill https://www.facebook.com/derek.aka.churchill

4 pm – Kevin McCracken https://www.facebook.com/kevin.mccracken.52

4.30 pm – May Blossom https://www.facebook.com/mayblossomvintagesongbird

5 pm – Annie Andrews https://www.facebook.com/annie.andrews.37

6 pm – Jayne Darling – https://www.facebook.com/jaynedarlingsinger

7 pm – Miss Marina Mae https://www.facebook.com/MissMarinaMae

8 pm – Lilli Moore – https://www.facebook.com/LilliMooreFans

9 pm – Miss Luna Nightingale – https://m.facebook.com/MissLunaNightingale

March 6th 2020

1940 Wartime Live Entertainer Jayne Darling & Live Duo Kimika

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Long Bennington Twinning Association present 

VE 75 – 1940s Tea Dance 

Saturday May 2nd 

2 – 4.30 pm 

Long Bennington Village Hall, 33 Main Rd, Long Bennington, Newark NG23 5DJ

Includes dancing, entertainment, afternoon tea and licensed bar

Tickets £12 

For information and tickets please call Ian Askew on 01400 282712, Kim Roberts 01400 283370 or Anne Laine 01400 282928

Do you have a WW2 Military or Civilian vehicle?  Would you like to join a parade of vehicles though Long Bennington from 5 pm – 6.30 pm on Saturday May 2nd 

Royston British Legion Remembrance Afternoon 

Sunday 10th November 2019
12 noon until 3 pm
Following the parade join Jayne Darling as she brings you the music from the 1940s .
Royston British Legion, Mill Road, Royston, SG8 6LT

**FREE ENTRY**

Jayne Darling will be performing at Oakleigh Lodge on Sunday 26th January 2020 in aid of the Radford Care Group

More details to follow

Location:
Oakleigh Lodge Social Club
1 Highbury Road
Highbury Vale
Bulwell
Nottingham
NG6 9DD