RE-ENACTORS
WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY JULY 1 7 TH-18TH 2010
INTRODUCTION:
On analysis, the event in 2009 must be regarded as a success from most points of view - despite being preceded by 36 hours of torrential rain resulting in seriously waterlogged grassland and impassable roads in the Wensleydale area. Once again, let me give a tremendous "thank you" to all of you who braved the appalling traveling conditions to support us. Quite simply we couldn't do it without you.
Some lessons, despite 15 years experience, were learned and hopefully will be integrated into this year's activities for everyone's benefit.
At this stage, as I write this introduction, some seven months prior to the event, many aspects of the event are still being negotiated or finalised.
However, we do know that:
There will be a greatly enhanced train timetable - more trains (some of them in steam) will speed up traveling times; there will be no two hour waits at stations for a train to move on elsewhere. This also means that Leeming Bar and Bedale will become more active areas to keep increased passenger through fall `entertained'.Military Vehicles - with the help of MVT members, we expect this important area to develop and, once again, we have part of the picturesque Market Place in Leyburn plus other areas available for vehicle parking/display. As for vehicle convoys - three are planned to enhance the event around the local areas for 2010 - if you wish to book your vehicle in for this please get in touch.
A 'collective' camp site is being organised by Leyburn and will accommodate tents, camper vans, caravans and military vehicles. Finding camping accommodation has been identified as a major barrier to re-enactor participation as most `official' campsites are heavily booked throughout the summer months in the Wensleydale area.
The stupendous effort made in Leyburn town and at its railway station is being worked on and expanded to give a truly spectacular display this year.
At the Redmire building, Julie Pickard and the NE re-enactors are also developing expanded and enhanced displays for 2010.
As ever, when we send out your passes you will be notified of the status of many of the new developments currently in the discussion and planning stage - some, such as the expanded role for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's activities, the level of involvement this year of Bedale town centre are still being discussed.
The event is being planned to be more than a one sided event. We can promise that bona-fide re-enactors properly turned out will get (and continue to get in the foreseeable future) free rail passes to ride the trains. We need your presence on the trains and co-operation in enhancing the public's enjoyment of the weekend. Should there be an explosion of paying passengers then, as in war time, we ask the younger of you to give up your seats!
Train times should help with arrival at the church in Leyburn for the church parade at Leyburn Methodist Church. In a development from 2009's event - there will be a short parade from the church to the cenotaph (Under the control of RSM Tony Bryan). If you know of more British Legion Standard bearers who wish to join in please advice combined Operations HQ. We hope that the church, the service of which is so important to Comb. Ops, will be full. `Lest we forget' is still the beginning and end of Combined Operation's ideology.
The military fair - in the main in 2009 this was a fiasco due to the weather but is currently being worked on to improve it for this coming year. For the last 15 years we have always received the support of many of the militaria dealers and we hope for their continued support with this important aspect of the event...
In short an exciting year that can only happen with your help - we hope to see you there.
Specifics:
1. We shall need a military group/ military vehicles at all stations - not only to set the scene but to relate to `Joe public' - more information will follow to interested groups.
2. There will be militaria fair - further details to follow.
3. There will be 40's dance organised for Friday and Saturday night at Wensleydale School, Richmond Road, Leyburn DL8 SHY.
4. We hope to have the support of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
5. We will have a remembrance service at a church in Leyburn on the Sunday am. We ask as many people as possible to attend as, without question, it really is the main reason for what we do -'Lest we forget'.
6. We hope to have military vehicles at strategic positions in the towns/stations.
7. You will get passes issued BUT the acceptance and usage of this carries with it the responsibility of behavior, dress and support for all that is involved over the weekend. Non-compliance with this may mean that you are required to pay full fare tariffs.
8. NEW LEGISLATION - CARRYING OF WEAPONS. As per our discussions with the local area senior police officers regarding the whole weekend, we will issue instructions and advice specific to the event. ONE THING IS CERTAIN - if you carry a weapon then carrying a de-act cert and/or proof of PLI is a must. Combined Operations will not be held responsible for individual re-enactors actions (or lack of them) over the weekend. No Blank Firers or Live Weapons under any circumstances - failure to comply could result in being asked to leave the event - PLEASE BE WARNED.
9. Arrangements for camping and overnight accommodation are in discussion and details will be available as soon as we are informed. We can confirm that we've negotiated very favorable rates with the local hotel that will also be used by some of the Combined Ops HQ staff. Details on request in this application form. There will be a mess function on the Friday night - numbers may well e limited - applications, if interested, on this application form for information (not currently available).
With your help, there is no doubt that this is going to be a fantastic weekend - bearing in mind that, like 2008/9, we are not responsible for the weather (but we are getting the padre to put our request in with the `Big Man').
All the best.
Wensleydale railway
OPERATION 'DALESMAN'
Re-enactor application form
Weapons: Please list and state whether replica (R), de-activated (D) or blank firer (B) - please note loaded blank firers are not to be allowed on sites.
Anticipated arrival time (please circle): FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
APPROX. TIME:
INDIVIDUALS: Should the number of re-enactors have to be limited, please indicate if you are only coming for the one day. Should this be the case, reluctantly preference must be given to `weekenders'.
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Please note: Underneath, please list all the names and relative information to enable sets of event permits / passes to be made up and issued. Blank passes will not be issued by Combined Operations. This is most important, so please write legibly.
With the current security situation the better the form is completed the easier and quicker it will be to process and issue YOUR passes.
Closing date for applications 1st June 2010
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Application for Dance Tickets 2010
Saturday July 18th 2010
Wensleydale School, Leyburn
Name:...........................
Contact address for dances:……………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………
I would like an application form for the dances.
Please Note: Please note that the tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Cheques will be returned once tickets have sold out, so please be prompt in registering your interest.
…………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Please return form to:
C. A. Roberts, Combined Operations Sheffield, 83 Westminster Crescent, Sheffield, S10 4EU.
