RAF Harrowbeer 1940s Weekend - 80th Anniversary Event
The 80th Anniversary of the opening of RAF Harrowbeer at Yelverton (on the 15th August 1941) was commemorated with two days of 1940s nostalgia, organised by the RAF Harrowbeer Interest Group. The highlight of the event was the huge, static, Packard Merlin engine which delighted the large crowds with regular engine runs. There were WWII re-enactors everywhere, covering British, American and Russian troops, plus a large selection of lovingly restored military vehicles, all helping to turn back the clock to a different age. There was also an area set aside for vintage and classic cars, and bikes. Visitors could have a trip on a vintage double-decker bus, or ride behind the Robey Trust’s road-roller ‘Bullet’. Period musical entertainment was provided by the 1940s Radio Station with songs from Bern Stewart. Lead organiser of the event Stephen Fryer, said that he wanted to thank everyone who helped make the weekend so enjoyable, despite the overcast weather. He added: “Our free 1940s weekend is a unique event in the calendar and after missing the last two years, it was great to be back. The only disappointment was the cancellation of a BBMF Spitfire Flypast on the Sunday because of the low cloud.”