Thames at War 2019
What a day! We had over 17,000 visitors and apart from it being a little chilly, everyone seemed to be very happy.
The event was organised by Richard Hawkins, Karen and Bret Wiles, but there are a lot of people to thank (in no particular order):
- Frank, Sharen and Roisin for manning the lock and traffic across the lock.
- John for organising the vehicles
- Phil for organising the exhibitors car park
- Lizzie for the Whippet Cafe
- Thomas and Laurence for bringing the Cockle canoe from Devon
- Steve, whose Winston Churchill was legendary
- May Blossom and Jilly for keeping us entertained
- Ashleigh and Josh for the Field Kitchen and being our slaves for the weekend
- The boat and vehicles owners (a special thank you to Claire and Paul on Anamac for allowing the walking wounded to embark)
- All of the re-enactors (who are too numerous to mention individually)
- The Environment Agency for allowing us to do this.
The programme was:
10.00 | The event will open with a Flag Break Ceremony by Oxfordshire Home Guard. |
10.30 | Winston Churchill arrives by boat in to Abingdon Lock. He will then perform an inspection of the Home Guard. |
11.00 | May Blossom Vintage Songbird will delight us with songs from the era. |
12.00 | Dunkirk Scenario. The 69eme Regiment Infanterie de Fortresse & 2nd Glosters will be re-enacting the walking wounded returning from Dunkirk on board cruiser Anamac, followed by a speech by Winston Churchill. |
1.00 | Launch of the Mk7 'Cockle' Canoe. A unique chance to see the only complete one afloat. |
2.00 | Talk on the Upper Thames Patrol by Bill King |
2.30 | Unveiling of the Upper Thames Patrol memorial plaque by Bill King and Winston Churchill who will then give a speech. |
3.00 | Dunkirk Scenario (as previously). |
3.00 | Jilly Melodies and Memories will delight us with a medley of 40s songs. |
4.00 | Finish |