The Hambledon Heritage Society (AGM) was held in the village hall on Wednesday 25^th 2009. On completion of formal events  the air raid siren signalled the start of, “Villagers Personal  Memories of the 1940’s”.

This event was advertised  on the village website, in the village shop window and in this magazine as, “A NIGHT  TO REMEMBER” and it was!!

A 2.5 ton USA army truck stood as gate guardian for the evening at the village hall entrance.

The village hall was packed to capacity and the audience were privileged to hear the personal memories of a group of Villagers who had been living in or near Hambledon during the 1940’s.

The audience were taken through a roller coaster of emotions while learning about childhood activities, school, telegrams, rationing, bombers, fighters, V1’s, marriage, digging-in telegraph poles, compassion, love, life and death.

World War II memorabilia, period post cards, King Edward’s School archives as well as the Hambledon Scrapbooks were on display, all accompanied by Churchillian sounds  emanating  from the period record player and speakers.

Everyone enjoyed the Hambledon  NAAFI products which included paste  sandwiches and mugs of tea served by our,” NAAFI Lady” appropriately dressed in NAAFI overalls and roll-mop headscarf.

The air raid siren signalled the, “All Clear”, leaving a memorable evening and one which was recorded for the Hambledon Heritage Society archives.  A 2009/2010 project will be developed from this event with the possibility of a CD being produced thus more permanently recording these personal memories and others for many generations to follow.

If any other Villagers have personal memories they would like to contribute, participate in this CD development project, join the Heritage Society or its Committee please contact Julie Steel e on 01428-682853.