Type=image;ImageID=5065;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Robert Wright and Rachel Bates checking the wireless;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=5066;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Robert Wright and Rachel Bates getting into character;TitleClass=strong;
Now in its 10th year, the World War Weekend this Saturday and Sunday (6 and 7 September, 2014) promises a host of attractions for all the family.
They include displays and re-enactments involving the Home Guard, the Land Army Girls and French and British Resistance as well as a selection of civilian and military vehicles.
Helen Steatham, Bantock House Museum curator, said: "This year's World War Weekend promises to be the biggest ever because, for the first time, we're reflecting Wolverhampton's contribution to the Great War as well as the Second World War.
"We've been working very hard over the last few months preparing for this weekend, and I'd like to thank everyone who has helped out, particularly our volunteers who have been involved in researching particular aspects of the event.
"I'm really excited about what we've got planned - it's going to be a really good event."
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, added: "The World War Weekend is always a tremendously popular event, and this year's will take on extra significance as the nation marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
"I am sure visitors young and old will learn plenty of fascinating things about Wolverhampton's involvement in both the First and Second World Wars."
This year's World War Weekend will highlight the crucial role that Bantock House played as the Army communications centre for the West Midlands during the Second World War through a number of elements on the theme of communication.
They include a profile of local man Geoff Hanley who became a Voluntary Interceptor during the Second World War, one of hundreds of amateur "secret listeners" who monitored radio signals for the Secret Service.
There was also a pigeonaire stationed at Bantock House during the Second World War, and a Royal Pigeon Racing Association display will highlight the role of carrier pigeons in the 2 conflicts. Local pigeon enthusiast Tony Painter will be releasing birds throughout the World War Weekend - and visitors will be able to enter a draw to have their messages sent.
The Wolverhampton Amateur Radio Society will give visitors the opportunity to try out their skills at Morse code, there will be an exhibition dedicated to famed US war correspondent Ernie Pyle, and visitors can see Letters Home, Bantock's current exhibition which showcases poignant letters written by soldiers serving on the front line during the First World War.
There will be music and comedy from Martin Barry throughout the weekend, while Daring Young Men will be entertaining the crowd with songs from the First World War. Guest singers Missfortunes will be entertaining the crowds on the Saturday afternoon and Laura Bill will be adding some wartime glamour to proceedings on the Sunday.
Alongside the Army medical tent packed with equipment from both World Wars, Roy Stallard will be talking about how Wolverhampton's hospitals helped provide innovative treatments for the war wounded.
Other attractions include information and sales stalls, while volunteers from the Black Country Echoes project will be sharing information about local post war industries they have been researching. Visitors can even have a makeover and their photo taken in Bantock's 1940s Room or have a "wound" created by a theatrical makeup artist.
The World War Weekend takes place at Bantock House Museum from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday (6 and 7 September, 2014). Entry is free.
Bantock House Museum is on Finchfield Road, Wolverhampton. For more information, please visit Type=links;Linkid=2112;Title=Bantock House Museum;Target=_blank; or call 01902 552195.
- released: Wednesday 3 September, 2014