A DOSE of fun and nostalgia was held to raise funds for two local charities last week.

The Rotary Club of Swindon North hosted a 1940s-themed evening in the Memorial Hall, in Shrivenham, to raise cash for Rotary charities, in particular The Green Hut in Gorse Hill and the local branch of Action For Children.

Second World War weaponry was on display, as well as bunting and flags and 1940s music and dance was enjoyed throughout the night courtesy of Swindon’s Mid West Big Band.

The 100 guests also enjoyed a war time supper of Shepherd’s pie and baked beans, followed by apple pie.

Club spokesman Ken Winslow said: “It was a very successful night, we had a great response.

“Everyone has said they would like us to do it again, but maybe with a different era as the theme, like the ‘60s perhaps.

“It is definitely something we will consider doing, as we raised £1,400 for charity, which is great.”

Meanwhile, there was singing in Cavendish Square, in Swindon, in a bid to find older generations to help with a school project.

Children in years three and four at Oaktree Primary School sang wartime songs, including Run Rabbit Run, for about half an hour on Tuesday in a bid to find people who were children during the Second World War.

It is part of a school project and they are inviting people who remember the war for a tea party on Tuesday, April 5 at 1.30pm.

Teacher Val Weston, said everyone who grew up during the war is welcome to come and share their stories.

“It’s open to anybody in Swindon who can get here,” she said.

“We were only out for half an hour but we must have spoken to more than 20 people over the age of 70.”

Anyone who wants to join the tea party and share their stories on Tuesday should phone the school on 01793 521903.