The Churnet Valley Railway is once again readying itself for action with another nostalgic journey, as Staffordshire’s Little Switzerland gets transported back to the 1940s for one of the line’s biggest crowd-pullers – the annual war event which takes place for the 19th consecutive year over the weekend of 29th and 30th of September
Following its successful re-branding as “War in the Valley”, 2018 will see a further development of the event. The North-West Military Collectors will be returning to showcase both Allied and Axis forces throughout the weekend, before they descend on Froghall each day to play out a live battle re-enactment.
Froghall will be the focal point of the event, with entertainment being provided by the hugely talented Paul Harper, and supported by all the favourites from last year Brandyn Shaw, Don Gentile & the Victory Girls dance troupe. Each act will be performing at various times during the weekend, with an inclusive Evening show on Saturday as well.
For the duration of the event, Consall will be disturbed from its usual tranquil retreat, as Axis Forces take a stronghold. A combined NWMC and South Staffordshire Living History Group force will be present to check tickets, and root out any spies trying return information to Froghall.
At Cheddleton, life on the home front is to once again be recreated with the CVR’s own education team playing out the life of Dorothy Ryder – the daughter of Cheddleton Stationmaster who lived in the station from 1941 and left her memories behind in the diary she kept during the war. Additionally the education team will be providing a rationing exhibition, taken from their hugely popular Evacuee Days that are offered to local schools during the year. There will also be a Women's Land Army display courtesy of the Notts & Derby branch, explaining the significance of the contribution women made to efforts on the home front. The home front theme will be complimented by a display of period vehicles that could be seen across Britain during the wars, whilst the RAF Association will be in attendance once again. A Live Radio Show will be broadcast from Cheddleton to keep everyone informed of the war efforts, and keep an eye out for the Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who is expected to make appearances throughout the weekend.
On the railway there will be a full timetable of heritage passenger trains along Staffordshire’s Premier heritage railway, including the recreation of a military goods - transporting Military vehicles on railway wagons to assist with the war effort.
The main event gets underway at 10.15am with the departure of the first train, as steam and diesel trains provide a trip down memory lane for some passengers whilst offering a history lesson for others. The live entertainers at Froghall will commence from 11am, and keep everyone singing and dancing until 5pm.
On Saturday Evening we will see the return of the 1940s Dining Train with a live show will beginning from 7:30pm, with the UK’s no1 Vera Lynn Tribute Act – Lorrie Brown. She will be performing her award winning show on the Dining Train, be saw to book tickets to see this spectcular evening
We are also offering steam train rides in the evening starting from Cheddleton at 07.30PM with the dining train. Only costing £5 why not come travel in style this fine evening.
Do not worry if you cannot make the train! Across at The Boat Inn at Cheddleton we have Paul Harper with his ENSA Radio Show from 8pm alongside Brandyn Shaw, Don Gentile & the Victory Girls. A bar serving a selection of real ales and spirits will be open at all evening.
No booking is required for this family favourite, though a discount is offered on advance tickets online. A 50% discount is available on daytime tickets to all those who turn up in period costume, and entrance to Froghall station will be restricted to ticket holders only for the duration of this event. For more information call 01538 750755 or check either of the Railway’s website or Facebook pages.
