1940's Weekend in Sheringham

The Poppy Line in Sheringham Norfolk staged a 1940's spectacular that reenacted scenes and memories from wartime Britain. An array of working steam trains complete with people dressed in clothes from the era graced the platforms in Holt and Weybourne. The trains ran every half hour along the route giving visitors ample time to see vintage bikes, wartime re-enactments and memorabilia from the golden age of steam. It was an emotional experience for some of the veterans whom lived through the hard times the first time around. Even though leisurely items were hard to come by during that time we were reminded how a Nation pulled together to overcome lack of resources. The ladies demonstrated how they managed to look their best in a display of makeshift fashions, pretend stocking lines, hats and sheer grit.


Photographers and film enthusiasts poured into Sheringham from all over the world to capture the romance and drama. Between 1942 and 1945 more than one and a half million American servicemen descended upon Britain. Many had never heard an Amercan accent nor met an Amercan until then, so it was inevitable the Yanks (as they were called at the hight of the Second World) created a bit of stir amongst comunities. It sparked many romantic ecounters that resulted in fifty thousand British women becoming GI brides and settling in America by the end of the war. This was emphasized at the event with a mixture of American and British military uniform.


Music from the 1940's was obviously high on the agenda with bands and musicians reviving those war time hits by The Andrews Sisters, Dame Vera Lynn and Joe Loss. The dancers on Sheringham platform reminded us that the GI's introduced a whole new style of dancing during that time. The most popular dance was known as the Jitterbug - a wild and energetic jive which made the previously popular ballroom dances such as the waltz and the foxtrot appear rather conservative.


Line general manager Trevor Eady said "The event has grown in popularity over the years and this is the most successful one yet. More and more people dress up for the occasion now and they return on a yearly basis" The day would not have been complete without a cup of tea and a delicious spam sandwich over looking brief encounter style couples sharing a farewell kiss.


Related Link

Pete Waterman OBE Sheringham Poppyline Link Celebrations


Please Note: © All pictures are protected by copyright and must not be used without our permission.

sitemap