IT started with a casual conversation over the bar of a village pub.

Now planning is well under way for the fourth Meltham Memories 1940s Wartime Weekend.

And it is expected to be the biggest and best yet.

The event will feature three days of 1940s entertainment and is again destined to be a fantastic community event.

The idea was born out of a chat in the Wagon and Horses pub.

Landlady Pam Cox recalls: “I was having a chat with one of my customers Steve Aldred and he mentioned he had been away for a Wartime Weekend in Haworth.

“I asked him about it and it sounded fascinating. Steve takes part in wartime re-enactments with his own military Jeep and I thought it would be a good thing to have in Meltham.

“Holmfirth has its food festival and its film festival, and Marsden has its jazz festival, so why not something for Meltham?

“It’s getting bigger each year and it attracts hundreds of people, not just from Meltham but all over the region”.

It all kicks off on Friday, July 13, from 7pm when there will be a 1940s concert in Meltham Village Hall featuring Norman Mellor, Richard Cook, Diane Robinson, Craig Ball and Katie Spitfire.

A huge array of attractions will be found throughout the village on Saturday, July 14, including vintage craft fairs, a Battle of Britain fly-past, a military vehicle parade, period dress and vehicles.

Many of the residents will be reliving life from the Second World War with living history groups.

A wartime afternoon tea will be served in the Church Hall with entertainment for just a £1 entry fee.

The Palm Court Dance Orchestra featuring Natasha Harper will entertain at a period dance on the Saturday in the village hall.

A bar will be available and tickets are priced at £15.

The chosen charity this year as always is Help for Heroes, which helps wounded soldiers and their families.

Sunday, July 15, will see a church service at St Bartholomew’s Church on the morning.

And following the weekend there will be a night with the world-renowned ‘Swing Commanders’ in Meltham Village Hall on Friday, July 20.

Visitors are urged to dress up in 1940s period costumes and many will be wearing uniforms from the various armed forces.

For more information visit the website at www.melthammemories.ning.com or contact Pam: 01484 850269, Steve: 01484 331945 or Martin: 07712 134156.