Experience a 1940s Christmas

WW2 military vehicles display, troop movements, civilian re-enactors

 Next Christmas Leave event:  26th & 27th December 2009

1940s dress optional but positively encouraged

27th December 2008:
Photos (Alresford, 27th December 2008): Ken Grinstead

From: Martin Struik Sent: 31 December 2008 17:25 To: tonywood@watercressline.co.uk Hi Tony Firstly, our thanks to the Watercress Line for a superb day on the 27th, we had a ball ! Attached are a few of the pictures we took on the day. Once more our thanks and a great New Year to you all ! Best wishes, Jenny and Martin

 

From: Phil Stonard Sent: 29 December 2008 09:56 Subject: Christmas Leave Great day out (again) and matched by the weather.  I arranged to meet friends from France and London there as well as some of the 'usual suspects' on the line. Alresford was in a suitable Christmas spirit and very lively.  Few photos attached.  Regards  Phil Stonard

 

From: Colin Fuller Sent: 30 December 2008 Dear Tony  I am so pleased that Christmas Leave was such a success and much appreciated by the public and the re-enactors. The messages of thanks make all the effort worthwhile. Once again people travelled from all over the country and abroad to be at Alresford on the 27th. The entertainers alone started from Kent at 4.00 a.m.  I attach a picture of the Clover Girls performing their act in the Station Yard. My thanks to all those who contributed to the event.  Colin         More about our 1940s-themed events

From: Mark Brock Sent: 28 December 2008 15:39 Subject: MHR "Christmas Leave" Just to say thanks for an enjoyable and interesting day yesterday.  I have attached a few photos - the Alton one is by Ruth Brock, the remainder Mark Brock.  Regards  Mark and Ruth Brock

Photos (27th December 2008): Mark and Ruth Brock

From: Colin Fuller
Sent: 30 December 2007
Subject: Christmas Leave
Dear Tony 
Just a quick note to report the most successful Christmas Leave event so far. Re-enactors arrived at Alresford from all over the country, from the Midlands, South Wales, Kent, the West Country and even one regular from Australia. The six coach train had to be strengthened to a seven coach one and even then there was standing room only. The volunteer catering staff on board had to work from table-tops and did a splendid job supplying everyone with refreshments.  Arrangements had been made to pick up hot water for tea and coffee from the Stations along the Line.
Many thanks to all those volunteers who really put themselves out to ensure that the visitors to our Railway and the re-enactors had a really enjoyable time and from the reactions so far everyone really did have a great time. It was interesting to learn just how many re-enactors were visiting us for the first time as the word had been spread that the Watercress Line was the place to be for Christmas Leave. 
Best Wishes 
Colin

One   Two      More

Photo- report on the 'Christmas Leave'   event  -  30th December 2006

   
   

	Photos (30th December 2006): Horace Ward
From: RAT Heath Sent: 10 January 2007 01:52 Subject: Christmas Leave Hi Tony Many thanks for such a great weekend, was a long drive down and a hellish drive back to Worcester in the pouring rain but well worth it, look forward to attending your gig in June. Many thanks again Sgt Heath 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
From: PHILIP STONARD Sent: 03 January 2007 20:12 Subject: Christmas Leave Just a short line to say what a great event - despite the late afternoon deluge. Friends from Arromanches, Normandy - site of the Mulberry Harbour B & landing beaches etc. - were most impressed. We also ran into like-minded (British) re-enactors last seen in June 2006 in France. Small world and all that. First time on a steam loco since I was a kid on holiday in Minehead in the mid-'70's!  Keep up the good work - it's most appreciated. Regards Phil Stonard One   Two   Three   Four   Five   Six   Seven   Eight
From: Melanie & Andy Ames Sent: 03 January 2007 10:08 Subject: Christmas Leave '06 I thought you may like to use these photographs for the Christmas Leave report on your website Melanie & Andy Ames One   Two   Three

 

Photo (Alresford, 30th December 2006): Henry O'Dwyer

Report on 2005 'Christmas Leave'

Five photos (all 27th December 2005): Henry O'Dwyer

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27th December 2005:     Ken Scotland sent this Alresford photo-report of the event
	Photos (all 27th December 2005): Ken Scotland

Report on 2004 Christmas Leave event

	1940s Christmas re-enactment, with WW2 military vehicles, troop movements, civilian re-enactors. Normal fares   1940s dress optional (encouraged)    June 2004 event
Four photos (all 27th December 2004): Steve Challis     Nick Halling's photos at the 2004 event
	More about our 1940s events
	"#73096 leaves Alresford with the 1110 to Alton - honest!! "Despite the restrictions on photography during wartime I thought this one might just be permissible!"  Photo (27th December 2004) and report from our own correspondent: Mike Pearson
From: Adrian Proudfoot Sent: 30 December 2004 01:32 To: Colin Fuller - On Parade Subject: Day on the Watercress Line - 28th Dec 2004 Dear Colin I would like to thank you and all who organised the day on the Watercress Line on the 27th Dec 2004. That day was the first time myself and my partner (Sarah Vickery) had attended such an event. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are looking forward to repeating the experience in the future. Everybody was so friendly and welcoming so we would like to say a big thank you to all concerned in the organisation of the day. Regards Adrian Very pleased to report the success of yesterday's Christmas Leave. Two jeeps, one Royal Navy car and an American Lorry arrived at Alresford. 80 re-enactors signed in and I think the grand total must have exceeded 100. The West Country Buffet did great business and the staff were magnificent in coping with the extra numbers. The feedback from the re-enactors was very positive and I think many of them will be returning next year for our War on the Line event  Photos (27th December 2004) and report from our own correspondent: Colin Fuller

2003/4 'Winter 1944/5' Event Report (December 2003 - January 2004):

Two pictures © (2003) Henry O'Dwyer

Alresford, Boxing Day 1944 2002 . Two photos ...
... from Chris Cornell
1st January 2003:   Mrs Todd flirts with the Sqn Ldr as the last train arrives at Alresford on New Year's Day 1945 2003.  Bit naughty in front of his Mrs! Photo (1st January 2003):  Tony Wood

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Added 8th March 2003 © Mick Speed

   

Watercress Line, The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, England, SO24 9JG Tel 01962 733810         Fax  01962 735448 information@watercressline.co.uk              www.watercressline.co.uk

More about our 1940s events

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