Wartime Weekend - a trip down memory lane

Wartime Weekend - a trip down memory lane

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Heywood Railway Station was the start of a journey back in time to memories of the war years at a special Home Front and Allied 1940s Wartime Weekend, put together by East Lancashire Railways, with passengers wearing vintage dresses and military uniforms.

History was re-visited as the train pulled out of Heywood and fifteen minutes later reached Bolton Street Station in Bury; the platform was filled with stalls, singers and people from near and far keen to reminisce about the 40’s.

Mavis Millard a wartime evacuee from Heywood who had gone along for the day described it as a “trip down memory lane.”

Tina Cookson travelled from Leyland and enjoyed browsing through the clothing stalls, she said: “It’s a great opportunity to dress up and really get into the spirit of things, there is a really nice atmosphere today and everybody is having a lot of fun.”

Mr Timms who had travelled with his wife from Oxfordshire said: “We really love this era and events like this certainly take you back.”

John Ward and his son Joseph (12) wore traditional military uniform and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Joseph said: “I really enjoy going out to these things with my Dad.”

This weekend has been the first time East Lancashire Railway has put on a second event of this kind; usually it just runs in May.

Station Staff Member Ken Lewis said: “There has been a better turn out that expected, the trains are all running to time and there seems to be a very big local interest.

“The platforms have been full and there is something available at almost every station.”