Heywood Business Group receives "thank you" letter from King Charles III

Date published: 13 November 2023

Heywood Business Group, which organises the annual 1940s day, has received a letter from King Charles III, thanking them for the event which this year coincided with His Majesty’s official birthday.

This year, the ever-popular 1940s day was held on 17 June with its street party for cubs, guides and brownies dedicated to the King.

As a result, the business group wrote to the King to inform him of the event, including a section of photographs from the day, including a birthday cake made by Brown’s Cakes in Rochdale, and a number of birthday cards created by the children's youth groups.

The day also featured a parade through town, with a piped band, military veterans, cadets from the Armed Services, military vehicles, vintage vehicles and buses, as well as exhibits including full-size replica Spitfire and Hurricane, as well as dances and concerts of the era. 

The group was delighted to receive a response from the King in October, thanking them for the “kind letter,” celebrations and “splendid cards” before sending Heywood Business Group his “warmest good wishes.”

The King also said he was “touched by the community’s colourful celebration of British history.”

John Kennedy and Graeme Bowden-Witts, joint treasurers of Heywood Business Group, said the group was “honoured” to receive the letter, adding: “This is something that Heywood can be proud of.”

Around 10,000 people attend the annual Heywood 1940s day each year, with many donning era-appropriate outfits.