Dear Margaret,
It’s ‘hats in the air’ and ‘three cheers’ to everyone who made North Norfolk Railway’s 1940s weekend a resounding success at the Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt stations.
The official 40s programme heading under the National Crown stated ‘your courage, your cheerfulness, you resolution, will bring us victory’. It certainly did then and history has been repeated 70 years on!
The sun shone and crowds arrived in their thousands, decked in wartime uniforms and a magnificent array of 40s fashions.
More support than ever from the town of Sheringham and its retail businesses was so evident this year. After the Sunday parade through the town, (courtesy of the efforts of Graham Deans – Lobster public house landlord) a fitting flag lowering ceremony was held on The Green by Sheringham station.
North Norfolk Railway’s General Manager, Trevor Eady, incorrectly addressed as Managing Director, caused laughter from the crowd when he said ‘I didn’t expect managerial promotion this afternoon – I can only put it down to the success of this year’s 40s weekend!’.
He then thanked everyone for their magnificent support, stating that the event had grown steadily in popularity over the years.
A perfect rendition of ‘The Last Post’ was performed by the Salvation Army Bandmaster, Paul Winterbourne, bringing the curtain down on a truly momentous weekend for Sheringham.
Yes, we are proud to be British, and even prouder to be long-standing Sheringham residents.
Long may this wonderful nostalgic event continue, please accept our hearty congratulations.
Yours sincerely, Charles and Jan Thirtle
Sheringham Independent 377 October 5th 2013
Dear Margaret,
I am sure I am among many locals and visitors who would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone on the North Norfolk Railway, both staff and volunteers, for a fantastic 40s weekend. I know there is a tremendous amount of planning and organisation involved and this all came together to provide the best 40s weekend so far. It has been getting bigger and better every year and the weather made it just perfect. The parade and closing ceremony on the Sunday was a great way to finish such an event, giving everyone the chance to remember those times and all those that lost their lives during the war. It was good to see how many local businesses took part this year with some brilliant window displays and many staff dressing up in 40s clothes. I was among many locals who also dressed in 40s clothes and, together with the re-enactors, it all added to the atmosphere of the weekend. Once again THANK YOU Sue Bourne, Sheringham
Sheringham/Muzillac Twinning Visit Deserves Five Stars
In August 22 members of the Sheringham/Muzillac Twinning Association travelled to Muzillac in Brittany. The journey by coach and train was organised by Stuart Meakin in his usual quiet, efficient manner. Careful pairing of hosts and guests, as well as a balanced programme, ensured it was a great success and, according to the Chairman, Hugh Bradbury, was the best of all five visits so far. Doug Smith, Mayor of Sheringham, was presented with a Muzillac town medal and books on the local area by their Mayor, Jo Brohan. The programme included visits to The Resistance Museum at Saint Marcel, the fascinating collection at Lizio of working models made from scrap metal which were powered by solar and wind power. All these were created by a poet who "Doesn't ask for the moon, only a few stars". A day trip to Quimper included a 'tasting' at a biscuit factory. A visit to a local oyster farm challenged the chairman's French when acting as interpreter! Evening entertainment included a 'bring and share', a pancake evening and plenty of singing and dancing. We are now planning the return visit to Sheringham next summer.
For information about this Twinning the website is www.sheringham-muzillac.co.uk
17