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Yanks 'invasion' back on

Stuart Greer
2/ 4/2008

A SADDLEWORTH businessman believes he has saved the annual Yanks weekend after its shock cancellation last week.

This year’s event would have commemorated the 30th anniversary of the release of the blockbuster film, which was shot in the Saddleworth area and starred Richard Gere and Vanessa Redgrave.

Last week Joyce Cartner, who was an extra in the film and the event’s organiser with her husband for the past eight years, announced that the extravaganza had to be shelved because of location problems.

Now Jonathan Williamson, from Dobcross, has vowed to keep the popular tradition alive and has called for local support.

He says he and a small group of other Saddleworth-ians are planning something similar to the cancelled Yanks event on August 8 -10, but will call it Saddleworth Wartime Weekend including Trucks and Troops.

Previous events used the grounds of Saddleworth School to stage a mock battle and host a military campsite.

However the grounds will be unavailable this summer because of rebuilding works. The Civic Hall in Uppermill, where organisers hold the traditional dance for couples in wartime uniforms, has been booked for a wedding.

Mr Williamson says he has secured land on Church Road, in Uppermill, for the campsite and mock battles. The dances will take place at several smaller venues in Uppermill and Dobcross Village Community Group have expressed their support in decorating the village in bunting.

He said: "The theme behind the film Yanks will continue where it belongs in Dobcross village and is being supported and run by the local community for the 30th anniversary of the release of the film. And funds are to be raised for local charities."

Mr Williamson, 56, who owns a number of military vehicles, said the name has changed to incorporate a wider wartime history rather than just the Second World War.

"The event has always been a lot of fun and very popular and we don’t want to lose it," he said.

If anyone wants to help with the event call 07709 052501 or email info@granville-estates.co.uk.