14th June 2009:
	Photos (14th June 2009)  © Wayne Addy

14th June 2009:
	Photos (14th June 2009): David Warwick

  Movie:  Hurricane and Spitfire aerobatic displays over Ropley    (26MB, 13th June 2009) © David Snow

13th June 2009:

Photos (13th June 2009)  © Jonathan Holmes

   

 
 
From: Tony Kerwood
Sent: 14 June 2009 11:01
Subject: War on the Line - Day One
Hi Tony
I attached photo taken during the fly past at Ropley on Saturday. Ropley was buzzing with chatter and laughter until the sound of the planes' engines could be heard.
Then silence fell on the station during the display. No children playing, no dogs barking, just silence and the engine noise.
Uncanny!
Tony
 
   

From: Colin Fuller
Sent: 13 June 2009 18:56
Subject: War on the Line - Day One
Dear Tony 
Just a quick e-mail to tell you that the War on the Line weekend got off to an excellent start.  Something like 200 re-enactors, many WWII (and earlier) vehicles, soldiers, sailors and airmen aplenty, many with their ladies.  On the civilian side, dancers and singers entertained at the stations and on the trains.  Evacuee children and P.O.W.s moved along the Line and the P.O.W.s were also transported by road.  The catering outlets, including the Field Kitchen at Ropley, were busier than expected.  Arguably the Home Front Display at Medstead & Four Marks Station generated the most interest from the visitors.  The aerobatics of the Spitfire and Hurricane just added the final touches.  AND there is more tomorrow! 
My first picture shows two Veterans sharing their wartime experiences with members of the Women's Land Army and the second shows Capt. Allaway of the 101st Airborne inspecting a parade from The Queens. 
Colin Fuller 
MHRPS Life Member No:1

From: Wilkin John (PCO)
Sent: 15 June 2009 13:01
Subject: War on the Line, Sunday
Dear Mr. Wood
My family attended the War on the Line day yesterday and I thought that I should write to let you know what a great time we had.
We had never before visited your railway although we knew of it and had seen the smoke from the A31 on occasion over the years. My Daughter picked up a leaflet at the Guildford show…………….her boyfriend was attracted to the RAT train, no doubt……….and she told her old Mum and Dad about it.
We were most impressed with everything about the railway and the activities. Of course, the younger ones like it for its novelty value but we are of an age where Spitfires, steam and pristine country stations on hot days actually mean something from our past. (Standing on Ropley yesterday I was transported to Deepdene Station almost 50 years ago, waiting for a steam train on a day so warm that the tar on the platform was melting underfoot!). Land Army girls and corned beef hash and having your I/D card checked on the train (I never had one but my Wife still has hers!)……….well, just great.
Coupled with the brilliant weather, the day could not have been bettered.
What you and the other enthusiasts do is quite amazing. It makes me glad that people like you have the drive and interest to do it, at the same time making me feel just a little ashamed that I do not make the time for such important things. And they are important, you know. 
Your activities with the trains and those of the many people who chose to dress up in period style, those who were there to show off their skills, hobbies and interests, bring out the best in most of us and cause us to reflect on what we think were better and more gentle times. Rose coloured spectacles, maybe, but nostalgia is no bad thing and I thank you and all the other participants for doing what you do and for providing such events for the pleasure of the rest of us.
How strange it was that the first stall I looked at in the car park was run by a chap who lives about a mile away from me in Kent, but who I have never met before. Also that one of the fire engines on display is operated by a chap from my childhood who I have not set eyes on for decades!
I am sure that we will be back next year and I have no doubt that we'll be along to visit other events in the meantime.
Thank you for what you do.  It is important and you should know just how much we visitors appreciate your efforts.
Sincerely
John Wilkin

From: Hilbournes
Sent: 16 June 2009 20:41
Hi Tony
Please pass on my thanks to the staff, volunteers and re-enactors who put on the War on the Line event over the weekend.  It was really well organised and enjoyed by us all, young and old.  We took my parents along, both of whom were evacuated from London as children (and still have their identity cards).  It brought back a few memories for them.
Many thanks again
John Hilbourne
Winchester

From: Geoffrey Scanlan
Sent: 18 June 2009 13:24
Subject: Re War on the Line weekend
Just a quick note to say how impressed I was with the level of detail and overall effect achieved on the railway. I especially liked the little side items – the group of evacuees and the spiv being arrested, as well as the I/D card I received at the ticket office!
A memorable day out – thank you.  
Geoff Scanlan
Epping

From: Paul Watson
Sent: 19 June 2009 19:54
Subject: War on the Line (Saturday)
Hi Tony
Just a quick note to thank you for putting on a excellent event at this year's "War on the Line". It was my first visit to your railway line, and I will certainly be paying you another visit later this year.
Many thanks for a great day
Paul Watson

What's all this 1940s stuff about, then?

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