Turning back time for Pateley Bridge’s 1940 weekend

Pateley Bridge captured the Blitz spirit of war time Britain with the second annual 1940s weekend.
NAPB 1508162AM5 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend.  Rob Stimpson is given a cup of tea by Pam Hall and friends (1508162AM5)NAPB 1508162AM5 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend.  Rob Stimpson is given a cup of tea by Pam Hall and friends (1508162AM5)
NAPB 1508162AM5 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend. Rob Stimpson is given a cup of tea by Pam Hall and friends (1508162AM5)

The event was such a success that visitors have already started to book accommodation for next year, despite there currently being plans in place, the Chamber of Trade has said.

Chairman of the business group Keith Tordoff said: “It was just absolutely fantastic, such a busy day which is a boost for the whole area.

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“Local businesses were packed out, which is the whole point of the event, the food outlets in particular was overwhelmed with all the 
visitors.”

NAPB 1508162AM5 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend.  Rob Stimpson is given a cup of tea by Pam Hall and friends (1508162AM5)NAPB 1508162AM5 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend.  Rob Stimpson is given a cup of tea by Pam Hall and friends (1508162AM5)
NAPB 1508162AM5 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend. Rob Stimpson is given a cup of tea by Pam Hall and friends (1508162AM5)

Mr Tordoff added that Pateley Bridge has built on the event from last year, with an estimated 5,000 people descending on Pateley Bridge High Street at the 
weekend.

Mr Tordoff added: “The 1940s reenactors said it was one of the friendliest events they had been too and I am pleased that the town made them feel so welcome.

“The event doubled in size from last year and people are already telling me they have booked to come back next year so I will have to organise it for the same weekend.”

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He added: “I think the reason Pateley Bridge’s 1940s weekend has stood out is that the whole town got involved, people weren’t stuck out on an event field, it was the whole town.

“All the businesses got involved, there were sandbags and taped it windows, it brought people into Nidderdale so we could show them how great the place is.”

Commenting online, visitor Tim Handley said: “Great place for a forties weekend.

“I suspect your event will grow and become bigger and better as it develops.”

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A 1940s re-enactor, Steve Holt said: “We cannot thank you enough for the hospitality you have shown us. Roll on 2016”

During the weekend the Chamber of Trade ran a photography competition. Mr Tordoff said: “We got hundreds of entries, it is just fantastic to see the event through the eyes of people who enjoyed it.”

Nidderdale 1940s weekend photo competition winners:

First place: Prize - Treasure Chest of Sweets valued £50 - Paul Wardropper

Second place: Prize - Sypeland Outdoors Voucher £20 - Kath Grange

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Third place: Prize - Silk scarf from Lynne Designer Dress Agency value £15 - Andy Hart

Runner Up - Large Pork Pie from Kendalls Butchers - John Adams

Runner Up – Country Matter Worktop Saver from Love Heart Interiors, Pateley Bridge - Kath Grange

Runner Up - A bottle of wine from Spar - Sharon Hall

Highly Commended: - Su Senior - A Buff from Sypeland Outdoors.