Littlehampton salutes Home Front heroes

A VISIT from the ‘British Bulldog’, Sir Winston Churchill, was on the cards for people sharing their memories of the Home Front in Littlehampton this week.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Sep 2014, 11:22 BST
War Day. The Tamarisk Centre host their commemoration War Day. Pictured are volunteers. Littlehampton. Picture : Liz Pearce. LP040914WD03. SUS-140409-165507008War Day. The Tamarisk Centre host their commemoration War Day. Pictured are volunteers. Littlehampton. Picture : Liz Pearce. LP040914WD03. SUS-140409-165507008
War Day. The Tamarisk Centre host their commemoration War Day. Pictured are volunteers. Littlehampton. Picture : Liz Pearce. LP040914WD03. SUS-140409-165507008

More than 70 people joined the Tamarisk Centre’s commemoration event of both the first and second world wars on Thursday at its Beach Road base.

Entitled the Day War Broke Out, revellers had the chance to remember all the events during the wars, with the focus being less on the chaos and tragedy of the two conflicts and more on how adversity united the nation in one common cause.

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And there was plenty to see, from people dressed as nurses and soldiers to Tamarisk volunteer Keith Williams – who transformed into historic wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill for the day.

Sue Rixon, centre manager, said: “The atmosphere here was electric. The staff and volunteers worked like Trojans to make it all happen. I am very proud of them all. It was a fabulous day.”

The event launched with a make do and mend morning, with people of all ages bringing in home-made garments, chutneys and pickles. Then visitors had a chance to enjoy a lunch on the Home Front with all the trimmings of roast beef and apple pie.

Many of those joining in with the action spent the day sharing their memories of either living during the Second World War or retelling the stories that their parents or grandparents had told them about the conflicts.

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Jenny Ririe, centre co-ordinator, said: “We had a person bring in details of their father and his service during the war. Some of the members brought small bits of memorabilia that they had kept, like an Oxo tin or an artillery box.”

She said that one man even brought in a set of pyjamas that had been knitted by his grandmother – out of a recovered parachute.

“It was a really fun and good atmosphere all day,” added Sue. “It was jovial, cheerful and there was plenty of laughter.

“There was a real sense of commandery I think, because we have all been affected by the war, particularly the older ones.

To round the day off, there was a Bless ‘Em All concert.

The event managed to raise more than £500 for the Tamarisk Centre, which is run by Age UK West Sussex, with Sue adding she was thrilled with such a ‘superb amount’.