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The clock turned back 66 years as the wardrobes of Farringdon were rummaged for suitable period attire for the D-Day night in the Village Hall. Unfortunately,or perhaps fortunately for those present, your reporter was unable to attend but thanks to the photographic talents of Gordon Leask we have photos of this prestigious event.

Well I must confess to limited military experience but surely this not the usual pose adopted by a a guard on official duty. I am aware the modern army take a much more liberal attitude to this sort of thing but in 1940 I feel this androgynous pose might well have provoked unsavoury comment.

Since Private Venus was was forcibly repatriated from Berlin one must make some allowances but I feel she, or possibly he, is not entirely cut out for a military career.

 

Having passed interrogation form Private Venus, a more traditional greeting could be found in the Hall Porch, adorned with suitable bunting and patriotic photos.

Contemporary offerings were on hand inside although alternative catering was available to sustain the celebrations.

 

Even more traditional fare was attached to the end of this land girl's implement, probably for protection of others rather then nourishment but I did hear something about chips on the menu.

 

Fortunately there was a Nurse on hand in case of injury, who appears to be offering a diagnosis on a rather splendid tie with yet another land girl partaking of some traditional refreshment that has sustained Farringdon residents in war and peace time

The forces were well represented, some snappily turned out . . .

. . some rather less so. In this case suffering the after effects of a rough landing in high winds, possibly with the cockpit open and I dread to think what sort of medication has been used to maintain the rigidity of that scarf.

Fortunately the CO was on hand to keep an eye on things which was just as well as one or two dodgy characters had rolled in.

What ever sort of dubious deal this chap is offering these two ladies I dread to think but they seem to be enjoying the experience although I would recommend he exercise some caution to avoid feeling the sharp end of the equipment the land girl was carrying earlier.

As for these two, well, dubious seems barely adequate but in view of possible litigation I feel it will have to do. Occupations, again this is tricky ground but in one case I wouldn't be surprised to find a hearse in the car park although it will probably stuffed to the roof with a selection of goods from the wide range of off ration material on offer from his mate.

Far more respectable was this charming lady and her military escort, with the local ARP warden standing by in case any uninvited aircraft appear overhead.

The music was supplied by the Tadley Brass Band, here fronted by the CO is just indicating what precautions should be taken if one is confronted with a spurious pair of legs under combat conditions.

Which has the rapt attention of the audience, although I suspect this was taken while most of them were still sober.

Oh he's at it again , with the nurse this time, it must be the hat

I think the ladies should be careful how they flash those pearls, bearing in mind some of the characters in the Hall tonight.

Thanks to Gordon Leask for the photos, hopefully there will be some more when one of the dodgy characters returns from a short trip across the channel, although under far less hostile conditions than those who made their way into Normandy in 1944.

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