A SMALL dedicated team of volunteers who organise the crowd-pulling 1940s event ‘Yanks are back in Saddleworth’ are seeking more helpers.
The popular annual event celebrates the local filming of Hollywood movie ‘YANKS’ in 1979 starring Richard Gere, Vanessa Redgrave, William Devane, Lisa Eichhorn and Tony Melody.
The event winds back the clock to World War Two and the 1940s with entertainment, dancing and more, rounded off with an impressive military vehicle convoy.
Now in its 16th year, organisers anticipate this year’s two-day spectacular on August 6-7 will be even busier and so they need extra volunteers to help with vital support roles.
Help is required at the main event at Saddleworth School, Uppermill presented by WW2Events.co.uk, as well as on Sunday because of a parade through the villages.
At the school, visitors will see a military vehicle encampment, militaria and vintage stalls, Mr Churchill, British and American Classic Cars and a WWII 36.7 litre V12 Griffon engine.
There will also be a 1940’s Tea room and Café, musical entertainment by ‘Homefront Entertainments’ and free dance lessons from the Backstep Boogie Club.
Elsewhere, at Uppermill Civic Hall on Saturday from 11am – 4pm is the Tea Dance hosted by Wendy and Jill with Trina spinning the discs, and also the Wartime Cinema.
And don’t forget the popular Victory Swing Ball on Saturday evening from 7-30pm till late when all floors of the Civic Hall are taken over by dancing, including free dance lessons.
There will be music from the Kalamazoo Big Band along with Trina spinning the discs. Tickets £18 only available in advance including Hot Wartime Supper. Call: 07517 777837.
Weather permitting, there will be a fly-over on both days, featuring a Lancaster accompanied by a Spitfire and Hurricane. Times to be confirmed closer to the event.
Then on Sunday, the Mayor of Oldham will host a coffee morning with the Normandy Veterans followed by the Military Parade and Convoy at 12noon starting in Uppermill.
Led by Oldham Scottish Pipe Band and military veterans with Mr Churchill, the parade will pass through Saddleworth villages to the Carriage House public house at Marsden.
Anyone who can help out in any way please contact Paul Higginson on 07709 052501 after 6pm. All volunteers will receive a full briefing and free refreshments.
For more information about the weekend’s event, visit: ww2events.co.uk
The Wartime Weekend event at Saddleworth School costs £5 for adults, £3 for children up to 16 (family ticket for £12). Veterans and card carrying members of re-enactor groups free. Proceeds will go to this year’s chosen charities: The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Help 4 Homeless Veterans.
Please note: no black (sd) allgemeine ss uniforms with red arm band. Re-enactors with waffen ss combat uniforms are welcome as long as ss insignia is not displayed.
