WAR WAS breaking out all over Calbourne Mill last weekend when an especially themed 1940s Home Front weekend was arranged to bring lovers of the era together.

Alan Williams and wife Sylvia have the Second World War museum at Calbourne Mill and had wanted to put on an event like this one for some time. The museum at the attraction particularly features how the war affected those at home, and especially the work of the Home Front and the Land Girls.

Alan dressed as a member of the Home Front and gave a talk on the role of the organisation in the war. “We did a couple of air raids using a real 2nd World War air raid siren,” he explained.

“I had a couple of lightweight helmets made up for the two youngsters who helped in the demonstration – the metal ones were so heavy. And they had wooden cut out rifles, which were what was actually issued to the Home Guard at the start of the war, and respirator covers for gas masks.

“We also had three young lads from a cadet unit who came dressed as members of the Home Guard and many people came in period dress,” said Alan.

Sylvia was dressed as a Land Girl in the Land Army and gave a talk on what life was like for the plucky girls who helped produce food for the troops during the war.

Alan is a member of the Military Vehicle Group on the Island and brought his Austin K9, a 1959 one-ton cargo truck, and other members of the group also brought their vintage vehicles, including those from the war era.

During the afternoon people ventured out to view the vehicles in between the showers of rain. Some even took to the rowing boats and got even wetter by falling in the water!

In the evening there was a 1940’s themed dance in the large café, featuring music from the war period. Alan used to be a DJ and has many records from the 1940’s and this was a chance for everyone to dig out their wartime glad rags and get into the mood.

Alan is ex Royal British Legion County Chairman and the couple’s son Luke (21) is off to Afghanistan at the end of the year with the Royal Engineers, so it seemed fitting to put on the event as a fundraiser for the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes. Donations were made throughout the day and during the evening’s entertainment, all of which was free and Calbourne Mill’s owners, Tony and Sally Chaucer gave a donation from the day’s takings.

“I was very happy with the £475 raised, despite the rainy weather,” said Alan. “This was the first one and we thought we’d see how it panned out. If we’d had good weather a lot more people would have come, but we’re hoping to do it again next year. Let’s just hope it doesn’t rain!”