‘We’ll Meet Again’ was the promise when Captain Mainwaring met up with Vera Lynn at Pembroke Dock!
The Home Guard Captain – in our photo he’s actually Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre Volunteer John Mitchell – and Forties era entertainer Peri Lynn came together to promote the 1940s Big Band Dance which takes place on Saturday June 21st to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ-Days and the end of World War II.
The dance will be staged in a marquee sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven and located alongside one of the historic flying boat hangars in the former Royal Dockyard.
Recreating the memorable Glenn Miller style wartime music will be the Phil Dando Big Band while Peri Lynn, who is from the town, will perform her Vera Lynn tribute. Also taking part will be the Pembrokeshire Lindy Hoppers dance team who hold weekly classes in Pembroke Dock.
Funds raised will support a unique heritage project – the return of the RAF Pembroke Dock Memorial Window to the town. Originally unveiled 80 years ago in what is now the Heritage Centre, the window has for the last 30 years been displayed at the RAF Museum in London.
The ‘original’ Captain Mainwaring – actor Arthur Lowe – had a direct connection with Pembroke Dock. In 1940 he was a Sergeant in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and he well remembered the devastating German Air Force attacks on the town.
Tickets for this never-to-be-repeated Forties Dance are available, at £25, from the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, Royal Dockyard Chapel, Meyrick Owen Way, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6WS (Tel 01646 684220); the Pembroke Dock Town Council offices in Dimond Street (Tel 01646 684110) or online via Eventbrite (additional small admin fee applies). Street food vendors will be supporting the dance.
Attenshun! Vera Lynn meets Captain Mainwaring. PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography