This weekend, as part of the Island at War event on the Steam Railway, visitors can travel by free vintage bus service from Port Erin and Port St. Mary stations, to discover what life was like for the Island’s rural community during in World War II at Cregneash.
Watch the Women’s Land Army at work and have a go at milking a ‘model’ cow, used by Land Girls in training. Our 1940s residents will be demonstrating the ‘Dig for Victory’ scheme and showing visitors how to grow their own vegetables. Crebbin’s Cottage will host a mix of hand’s on ‘make do and mend’ activities and Church Farm will be a hive of activity with wartime ration cookery, patchwork and knitting demonstrations and butter making.
Take a wartime swing dance lesson in Church Farm Barn from 2pm to 4pm, and join a guided walk around the remains of the Second World War Radar Station on Meayll Hill at 3pm each day.
The joiner will be busy carrying out repair works and making do with salvaged materials, and visitors will discover why keeping ferrets and making nets was important during wartime.
Anita Hogarth, Site Manager said;
“The themes covered by our demonstrations show the good and bad of rural life during the war. From the complete change of life style, sometimes harsh, for the Women’s Land Army to the rural communities’ ability to maintain a quite diverse healthy diet despite the war. The addition of the Swing Dance lessons hopes to show that even in their darkest times, people still managed to have fun.”
Events begin from 10am at Cregneash. A free vintage bus transfer departs on the hour from 11am from Port Erin Station, via Port St. Mary Station, Scoill Phurt le Moirrey and Cregneash. The last service will return from Cregneash departing at 4.30pm.
Admission to the events at Cregneash is £6 adult, £3 FMNH members, pass holders and children and £15 for a family ticket.
