Over Here … Again! GI’s Return to Moneymore..

This Mayday bank holiday weekend, the beautiful setting of Springhill in Moneymore will once again be the backdrop for the sights, smells and sounds of 1940’s wartime Britain.

The Wartime Living History Association has once again teamed up with the National Trust who own Springhill in Moneymore.  The event, ‘GI’s on Parade’ will allow members of the general public to experience first hand what life was like for the locals and the American soldiers in 1942.

In 1942 the 82nd Airborne Parachute Infantry Regiment of the United States Army was stationed in and around Springhill, Moneymore.  The G.I’s stationed there were preparing for their part in Operation Overlord (D-Day) and the liberation of Nazi occupied Europe.  On Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May 2012 the members of the Wartime Living History Association and the staff of Springhill will transform this historical house and its grounds into a living time capsule that will allow visitors to relive that nostalgic time.

This year’s event is shaping up to be as exciting and as educational as last year.  The Wartime Living History Association in conjunction with the National Trust are putting together an event programme that will have something for all the family.  Even if wartime history is not of interest, there is will be plenty more activities for you to enjoy.

Try your hand at archery, target shooting and zorbing or simply relax in the surrounds of Springhill gardens with a tea and scone. The House will be open for wartime period living history tours while outside reenactments of sniper attacks, bunker assaults and woodland skirmishes will take place throughout the day.  A World War One demonstration military vehicle display and American GI parade are also among the days attractions

GI’s on parade will take place at Springhill on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May from 12-5pm. Adult member and non-member £6. Child member and non-member £3, Family member and non-member £15. For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni or call Springhill on 028 8674 8210.