Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport hosted an event in aid of the veterans Group 617 “Making a Difference”. The not for profit group gives help and support to veterans of the forces and emergency services who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. (I notice on their up to date Facebook page that the venue also held an event for Group 617 on 24th July with the King himself as special guest!)
The 1940’s event on 16th July featured some great entertainers singing vintage songs inside the hangar. There was also a range of vintage and trade stalls selling period items. Outside people in authentic costume had set up some living history displays with some classic period vehicles too. There were military re-enactments and fire power demonstrations. We went up into the Tower Cafe to partake of tea and cakes. From this vantage point there was a great view of all the small aircraft and helicopters taking off. In fact I was surprised at how busy the runway was. The big experience of the day was the genuine World War 2 United States aeroplane taking off.
The airfield itself was constructed in 1940 for use by the Royal Air Force, later lying disused for many years. It commenced civil aviation in 1961. Now the majority of the operations taking place are flights by light aircraft and helicopters with a microlight school.
This was the first event of its kind to take place at the airport, but the organisers Dangerous Sheep Events Ltd hope to make the 1940’s Weekender an annual event. To quote Alan who represented Field Marshall Montgomery “Just thought I would convey my feelings regarding the Halfpenny Green 1940’s event last weekend. Bearing in mind I do numerous events. I felt this event was so thoughtfully planned and quite emotional especially with the veterans and Group 617 in attendance. We’ll meet again”
