Swinging back in time

Nov 13 2009 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A WARTIME air raid siren will dramatically sound the start of an astonishing travel back in time for Troon.

It’s going to be a weekend of pure nostalgia, taking the town back to the 1940s and 50s.

And the weekend is sure to put a swing back in everyone’s step, with some great music from the era, as well as other attractions.

Legendary forces’ sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn, has given Troon Nostalgia Weekend her personal backing, saying: “I hope the sun shines on Troon.”

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry is behind the event, which runs from Friday to Sunday, November 27-29.

The inspiration came from an old faded family photo belonging to Bill Elliot, a US TV executive.

It is of his father, Captain Arthur Elliot, who died when Bill was just a baby.

All Bill knew was that the photo was taken ‘somewhere in Scotland’.

It turned out to be Burns Statue Square in Ayr, when Capt Elliot made a military stopover at Prestwick in the early 1950s.

And a few years agoVisitScotland brought Bill, who was working in London at the time, up to Ayr.

Bill Elliot said: “During my career I have travelled around the world working on films and I have seen some amazing sights.

“But one of my favourite memories will always be my visit to Ayrshire.”

Dad Art Elliot was a veteran pilot of both the Second World War and the Korean War, where he gained a Distinguished Flying Cross.

More than 20 events are planned for the weekend that Art. And Troon Concert Hall will be given a 1940s makeover for a three-hour In the Mood extravaganza of music, song and dance.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK will be playing, and tickets are selling rapidly. Call Yvonne Munro on 01292 678666.

Displays including military vehicles, and a re-enactment group from Holland, should prove popular.

The Second World War saw Troon No4 Commandos billeted in the town. So too were a Dutch troop of Inter Allied Commandos.

And there are 33 recorded weddings between Troon area girls and commandos!

Permission had to be obtained from the Coastguard to operate the air raid siren to launch the weekend and at close on Sunday there will be an aircraft flypast.

Valerie Russell, the Chamber of Commerce’s deputy chief executive, said: “We have been both surprised and delighted at how big this event has become.

“Both the local economy and our nominated charity Help for Heroes will benefit and we’d love it to become an annual event.

“It just seems to have struck a chord and everybody is in the mood for a good time. Perhaps there is a significance in our bleak economic outlook and the mood during the war.”

For more details, including the nostalgia dance, concert party and fashion show, visit www.ayrshirechamber.org/nostalgiaweekend.asp