Major Reunion at the War and Peace Show

The announcement that Vera Lynn will be visiting this years War and Peace Show at the Hop Farm Country Park, Kent, has made one gentleman from Sevenoaks very happy indeed.

Major Charles Buckland has been waiting for over 60 years for a chance to say thank you to the lady who visited his hospital bed in Burma and gave him the strength to fight a serious wound.

Major Buckland was commissioned in the South Wales Borderers 14th Army in 1941 and served in Africa and Burma from 1942 - 1945. During one operation on the Arakan front, Major Buckland got shot in the back and woke up in hospital after spending 2 days semi conscious in a road. After many days in his hospital bed, Major Buckland confessed he was depressed, however his attitude was to change on a visit from Dame Vera Lynn.

"She visited the hospital and talked to me. She even sat on my bed", he said. This was, at the time, seen to be very inappropriate and one of the staff asked her not to sit on the bed!. During her visit with Major Buckland and other patients Dame Vera chatted to the soldiers and even sang a gentle song.

"Although I'm sure Dame Vera won't remember me, or maybe even her trip to Burma, I have wanted to say thank you for her kindness for many years and am very happy that at last I will have a chance to do so."

Major Buckland will attend the Miller night Dance on Friday 23rd July, as will Dame Vera, after her appearance in the main arena on Friday afternoon. The Miller Nights are held on 23rd and 24th July and tickets are priced at £25.00 per night. Tickets are available in advance only and can be booked by calling the event line on 01622 872068 or visiting www.thehopfarm.co.uk. The War and Peace show runs from 21st - 25th July. Tickets are priced at £12.00 adult, £10.00 for children and seniors and £42.00 for a family ticket of 2 adults and 3 children. Advanced tickets can be ordered for reduced prices before 9th July on 01622 872068 or at www.thehopfarm.co.uk

-ENDS-

Hollie Eastwood
PR Manager
The Hop Farm Country Park
Kent
01622 870809
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www.thehopfarm.co.uk