Liberty in step with wartime memories

THE WARTIME history of a Greenham ballroom, along with commemorations to mark World War One and the 70th anniversary of D-Day, were recently marked with a special dance.

The Liberty Newbury ballroom, at Greenham Business Park, played host to some 140 people, mostly local, at the 1940s style wartime dance, and which also reflected the local, military history of the ballroom and park, the former airbase of American servicemen during World War Two.

Guests dressed up for the occasion, in 1940s, Army, or Navy clothing of the period - and four jeeps pulled up outside to add to the atmosphere, with pianist, Oliver Williams, playing wartime songs.

Refreshed by canapes on arrival, dancers jived, rock n’ rolled and Lindy hopped to music spinned by DJ ‘Major’ Cliff Jordan, along with covers sung by Jamie Sinatra - with live music from the Apollo Big Band, playing hits from the period, from ‘crooners’ such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

“It was a super evening, everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, we had tremendous feedback,” said joint proprietor, Lloyd Lilley.

A raffle in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, hosted by Newbury’s deputy mayor, Howard Bairstow, raised around £150.