There has recently been mixed news from Thetford, familiar to many as the as the real-world Walmington-on-Sea. The good news is that, following its recent purchase by the Thetford Dad’s Army Museum’, Corporal Jones’ 1935 Ford Box van has reportedly returned to the town and will be on display to the public from spring 2013,

More sadly, the Anchor Hotel which featured in The Man and the Hour and which was also a regular haunt of Dad’s Army cast members when filming in the area, has been demolished. The Anchor has been closed since 2006, but it is sad to think that the recently erected statue of Captain Mainwaring may soon been gazing at a budget chain hotel rather the the a building that holds so many memories.

So it is farewell to one old friend but welcome home to another.