A FESTIVAL of war time nostalgia is to return for a third year.
Meltham Memories, a weekend of 1940s military-themed events, was launched in 2009 by Pam Cox, landlady of the Wagon and Horses pub and regular customer Steve Aldred.
The pair came up with the idea in a bid to boost community spirit after seeing how many popular events were being held in nearby towns and villages including Holmfirth and Marsden.
Last year’s event attracted hundreds of revellers with many wearing retro-military uniforms.
A parade was held and vintage vehicles were out in force including old military Jeeps, a 1930s tank transporter, a fire engine and a 1940s bus.
Pam said she was hoping this year’s event from July 15 to 17 would build on the success of last year’s bumper crowd.
“It’s grown really well,” she said. “The only thing that let us down last year was the weather, but last year was still really good.
“We are starting to look for funding as it does cost a lot to put on and we don’t charge anything to anyone.
“On the Saturday the village will be transformed into a 1940s wartime scene.
“Then on the Sunday we are planning to have a display of military vehicles on Meltham Rec and recreate a battle.”
Pam said she had also booked top band the Swing Commanders for the Friday and was hoping to get another Battle of Britain memorial fly-over to follow last year’s by a Dakota transporter aircraft.
Pam, who hails from Scotland, is launching her fundraising bid next weekend with a Burns Supper and a Yorkshire meets Scotland tapas menu in the evening.
The haggis will be piped in at 5pm by the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band.
The special menus will be available at The Wagon and Horses, Meltham, on Sunday, January 30.
All proceeds to Meltham Memories.
Information: 01484 850269.
Web: http://melthammemories.ning.com/
