Telford Steam Railway's 1940s weekend turns back the clock - with pictures
Telford Steam Railway hosted its fourth 1940s themed event over the Bank Holiday weekend, with mock battles between re-enactors as well as trade stalls.
Volunteers got into the spirit of the age dressed as Allied and German soldiers, and on Saturday and Sunday they took part in the fourth annual 1940s weekend at the railway's headquarters in Horsehay.
Ellie Moore of Telford Steam Railway (TSR) explained the origins of the popular event.
She said: "It first started in 2015 when Mark Paynter and another volunteer, John Casey, came up with the idea. TSR were looking for a family orientated event to raise our profile and attract those who were not just visiting the trains. Our aim was to expand the reach and involve more of our local community.
"John was already involved with the re-enactment scene which was a massive bonus as he was able to call some friends of his and so Mark, John and friends started to put their heads together to see what they could come up with.
"There was some scepticism amongst our stalwart volunteers of the validity of holding an event like this as it was completely different to anything we’d held before.
"It was quickly agreed that the trust didn't want a glorified vintage fayre but rather an interactive and entertaining event that had something for everyone.
"It was agreed that TSR would go more down the route of having mock battles and armed skirmishes between the re-enactors, which proved to be a brilliant and really popular idea. All the skirmishes are fully organized and supervised so it's safe and sensible.
"Due to the feedback and popularity of the event, a decision was then made by Mark to extend the event over a two-day period, but we didn't want to alienate the more regular visitors, we understood that not everyone will want to attend this type of event.
"The trust decided to hold the event over the Saturday and Sunday, leaving the actual bank holiday free for those to attend a normal running day of the railway as opposed to the 1940s Weekend.
"It should be noted that Telford Steam Railway is run completely by volunteers so its really satisfying to watch it all come together, it makes all the hours of planning and work worth it. As the railway grows we aim to grow the event into becoming a major focal point in the event calendar for TSR."
