News

Lostwithiel was transported back to the 1940s on Wednesday 26th October with the whole town taken over by costumes, music and dancing from the era.

Shops, cafes and venues were drapped with union flags, war-era posters covered walls and windows were taped up while shopkeepers and visitors wore their best 1940s finery.

ENSA set up camp on the Parade for the whole week. Visitors were able to buy food from the wartime canteen, see displays of weapons, tents and vehicles and were entertained by songs performed live on a stage set up under the trees.

During the morning the Church Rooms played host to period entertainment, dancing, singing and music. Ladies were able to have their hair dressed in a 1940s style. In the afternoon it was best foot forward in a tea dance with live music.

Michael, Chairman from the South West Battle Group said: "Throughout the week we were made extremely welcome by the people of Lostwithiel. A great many calling at the tents to ensure we were OK and that we had sufficient wood for the stove to keep warm. The highlight of the week was Wednesday (the main 1940’s day). A number of acts were there to entertain throughout the day. The Battle Group put on a fine show of how we interact within the ENSA part of our Group during the morning and later around the camp area. It was great pleasure to be able to take part in the festivities of a Cornish Town that has a great community spirit. The group attracted publicity with BBC Spotlight, Radio Cornwall, Cornish Guardian and the Mid Cornwall Gazette. Man in a Boat and others.

Members and friends who supported the week were, Dianne & John Roberts, Rebecca Walker, Felicity and Ian Dunn, Amy & Lyn Smith with Ashleigh and Abby, Richard Hollingsworth, Sharon & Tim Minihain, Martin, Sean and Hope Cunningham, Debbie and Michael Sculthorp-Wright, Ryan Davies,  Ellen Hooper, Amy’s sister and Barry and Christine from Lostwithiel Bakery. Thank you all for your stalwart support. Our thanks also to the Town Council of Lostwithiel for allowing us the camp for the week in the town centre, and the Police and PCSO for their support ensuring we OK with the various flood warnings etc. Indeed there were so many looking after us we felt as though we lived there.Thanks also to the Lostwithiel Business Group and other local groups and forums for their support. Again thanks to the Lostwithiel Community and our members."