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Report by Walmington-on-Line’s roving reporter:

The day started dull but warm. Following the Street Party of the previous evening a leisurely breakfast was called for, and after checking out of my B&B I arrived at the museum a little before 11.00am. By this time a queue had built-up at the gate, but within ten minutes I was in the grounds of the museum.

The Bressingham steam museum is an endearing place and would be well worth visiting even without the Dad's Army collection. There is not the slick professional edge of a theme park, but instead a more chaotic and eccentric feeling which has infinitely greater charm.

Evidence of the events to come was there in abundance. A raised platform had been built facing the Nursery Station area, though at this time it was deserted. Behind it were a row of vehicles that had appeared in Dad's Army: Jones' van, the fire engine from Brain Versus Brawn, the Austin 8 staff car from The Making of Private Pike, and the magnificent threshing machine from All is Safely Gathered In were all on display and gaining a good deal of attention.

Beyond these a re-enactment group dressed in the uniform of the US General Infantry were giving visitors the opportunity to have their photographs taken with the Easy Company of TV's Band of Brothers. In and among the crowds were many men, women and children dressed in authentic 1940s costumes. Members of the Home Guard mingled with housewives, and a 'spiv' had set up his stall at the entrance to the Dad's Army collection. In the grounds a brass band played a variety of tunes from 'Keep the home fires burning' to the more modern strains of the theme from Groundforce - and of course the occasional rendition of 'Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler?'

Shortly after eleven-o'clock the PA announced the arrival of the special guests at the Nursery Station - one of three railway stations in the museum- and quickly a crowd built-up. Arriving aboard the miniature train pulled by a tiny diesel engine originally used in the Welsh slate quarries were: Frank Williams, Bill Pertwee, Pamela Cundell, Jimmy Perry, David Croft, Eric Longworth, Brenda Cowling, Harold Snoad and Charles Garland. They left the tranquility of the train and, inspite of broadcast pleas to allow them some elbow room, had to make their way through a thronging crowd to inspect the line-up of Dad's Army vehicles nearby.

There was much interest to see these lovely old vehicles again, and, I think, appreciation of the work lavished by enthusiasts in maintaining and restoring them. Ever keen to please the crowd, Bill Pertwee climbed up on the fire engine and posed for photographs. Officials from the Dad's Army Appreciation Society (DAAS) attempted to maintain an orderly walkabout, but before long the enthusiastic crowd had its way and the cast and production staff were persuaded to sign autographs and chat. A little later it was announced that Wendy Richard had recovered sufficiently from her flu to make an appearance. She posed briefly for press photographs and was then swiftly whisked away by DAAS officials, presumably for a restorative cup of tea.

By now the museum had become quite packed, but the mood remained friendly, with people waiting their turn to meet the special guests, and the stars were relaxed and happy to stop and chat. In the meantime the various miniature railways were running, ferrying visitors around the gardens, and here and there a traction engine manoeuvred through the crowds. At lunchtime the steam merry-go-round, something of an centrepiece of the museum, was closed, and 'keep off' signs were posted. It rapidly became clear why when the gallopers, ostriches and other rides were quickly occupied by the special guests; some of them requiring a certain amount of assistance from the men of the regular army who were in attendance throughout. Has the cast of a classic sitcom, all of them well past retirement age, ever been spun at high speed before? I'm not sure, but they seemed to enjoy themselves, and perhaps take some relief from the crowd who, temporarily, seemed to have abandoned them.

During the lunchtime lull the crowds dispersed - to eat, to ride the trains and gallopers, to explore the Dad's Army exhibition. For any devotee of the series this is a must - walk through the doors and you are facing St Aldhelm's Church hall. There is the stage with its double stairs and balustrade. Off to the left is the office complete with Mainwaring's much disputed desk. Stepping out there is a full Walmington-on-Sea street scene - Jones' shop, the bank, Frazer's funeral parlour, Purkiss' printers. This is not just scenery - you can go into the shops, stand behind Jones' counter, or try your hand at cashiering at the bank. At the printers on this particular day the press was running, producing a special edition of the Walmington-on-Sea Messenger proclaiming the news of the day.

The tannoy announced the start of the question-and-answer session. On the platform constructed in front of the vehicle line-up the special guests were gathering. Charles Garland, of the BBC, took the microphone, and the first flaw of the day became apparent. The PA was totally inadequate for open-air use and only those near the front could hear anything. Last year the stage was set-up on the grassed area now occupied by the vehicles, and the audience were able, for the most part, to sit in comfort. This year the entire audience was standing on tarmac, and as a consequence the people at the back could neither see nor hear what was going on. This was a bit of a disappointment, as this session was something of a highlight of last year's event. Afterwards the special guests dispersed into the crowd for further press photographs, to sign autographs and generally make themselves available to the fans.

Much of the charm of the day came not from the staged and organised events, welcome though these were. Bressingham is a lovely place to visit, and more so on the Dad's Army day. It is fascinating to be able to examine the vehicles, which have not been roped-off. The many people in authentic 1940s costume add a real sense of period to the proceedings, and the events of the day are sufficiently loose that you never quite know what might happen next - early in the day I was taking a good look at Jones' van when I found myself next to Frank Williams, who seemed just as interested as I was. For a busy public event the atmosphere was relaxed, chatty and friendly. All in all this was an excellent day, and a credit to the huge amount of work that the Bressingham and DAAS teams must have put into it. I, for one, hope that the Dad's Army day will be a fixture at the Bressingham museum for many years to come.

Exclusive Walmington-on-Line film of the day

Not only did our roving reporter carry his notebook with him to Bressingham, he also spent much of the day with a video camera clamped to his head. The results are now available for all to see - for those who could not make the day or who just want to re-live it here is our video of the Bressingham 2002 Dad’s Army Day - 8 minutes long.

Click here to watch the film (Realplayer needed)

Last Updated 04 Apr, 2004