Dad`s Army Museum Thetford

Service of Celebration for the Life of David Croft OBE

2012-02-11T15:00:00.001Z

There will be a Service of Celebration for the Life of David Croft OBE that will be held at 11.30am on Thursday 15th March 2012 at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ. All are welcome BUT admission will be by ticket only.Please contact the museum for further details.

Saturday Kitchen

2012-01-29T12:49:00.001Z

Hope you didn't forget to tune into Saturday Kitchen last Saturday (Jan 28th) on BBC1.The wine recommendation bit was filmed on location in Thetford by Cactus Television. It featured the statue of Captain Mainwaring and a shot of the museum sign.If you did miss it you might find in on the iPlayer.

Andy, Suzie, Claire, 'The Captain' and Mike.

Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

2012-01-14T08:41:00.001Z

Calling all our re-enactor/vintage/theatre friends – We have been approached by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama based in Moorgate, London. They are producing a production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream which is going to be performed at the Barbican Centre’s Main Theatre which is a great opportunity for those involved and indeed Guildhall. The design for the production is based around the 1940’s with some of the action set in a 1940’s hospital. For this production we are in need of some props that you might be able to help us with, these are as follows :
16 X Identical Chairs – Church/Village Hall/ Chapel Chairs
4 x Sunglasses – 2 x Male, 2 X Female
Surgical Instruments
Surgical Trolley
Surgical Folding Screen
Surgical Drip
Hypodermic Needles – Possibly Glass or Metal, large.
Hospital Washbasin – With wheels.
Air Raid Patrol Lamp
Military Milk Float – They need an electric vehicle that is able to take singers on the back of the float/truck and be driven onstage. Ideally this should resemble a 1940’s Bedford Flatbed truck but due to stage weight restrictions it has to be under 3.5tonnes hence the idea of a Military looking Milk Float.
The dates they would need to borrow the items from would be : Friday 10th February to Wednesday 7th March.
If you can help, please get in touch.Call our museum manager,Corinne Fulford,on 07802 701911.

You can email us at dadsarmythetford@googlemail.com or you can complete the contact form at http://www.dadsarmythetford.org.uk/contact.htm

News pages

2012-01-08T11:51:00.001Z

The museum is now starting it’s 5th year and it is quite amazing just what we have got up to.This page will show you all our recent activity.If you go to our archive new page you can see what we have been up to since 2007.

On the box,Tuesday December 27th

2011-12-27T05:45:00.001Z

BBC Tribute to David Croft OBE

Click the link for more information.

One fans tribute to David Croft OBE

2011-12-21T18:50:00.001Z

Merchandise still on sale

2011-12-13T19:55:00.001Z

Although the Museum is now closed for the Winter break, all our merchandise is available on line. Our web shop is currently showing a very small part of our range so if you have seen something when you visited please contact us, we will be happy to help you.

Winter break

2011-11-26T22:46:00.001Z

The museum will close for it’s winter break at 2pm on Saturday December 3rd,so hurry along for your cup of tea and a slice of cake in the Marigold tea room.It will be your last chance until April 2012.Also,we are fast approaching our 20000th visitor since we opened.It could be you !

Walking location tours 2012

2011-11-26T22:42:00.001Z

Details of the 2012 walking tours of the Thetford locations have just been published on the book a tour page.

Why not buy a walking tour gift voucher as a Christmas present,details on this page also.

Fireworks 2011

2011-11-13T09:35:00.001Z

The museum was once again able to join our friends from the Charles Burrell Museum and attend the 2011 fireworks event on November 6th.Our friends from the Charles Burrell Museum came along with their wonderful steam engine,The Queen Mary.Our photographs show our Captain Mainwaring (Mick Whitman) and Pike (Saxon) meeting some unusual friends.Not to be out down our museum manager (Corinne) showed off some new designer head gear.

Book signing

2011-11-13T09:14:00.001Z

Shaun Sewell and Ronnie Scott were at the museum on November 5th signing copies of their book `The Real Dad’s Army`.A large number of people came to visit and have their books signed including cricket journalist,Henry Blofield who was giving a lecture next door.

On the road in September

2011-10-23T12:21:00.001+01:00

The museum took to the road twice in September.On September 17th our Captain Mainwaring (Mick Whitman) and Pike (Saxon) were invited along to open Drinkstone Village Fete.The Captain was driven into the main arena in a lovely Rolls Royce (Captain’s car ?).

On September 17th and 18th the museum was invited along to the Poppy Line to take part in there wonderful 1940’s event.

Winter break

2011-10-22T21:37:00.001+01:00

The museum will close for it’s winter break on Saturday December 3rd at 2pm.We will reopen in April 2012.

If you are planning to come to our last opening you could combine your visit to the museum to a visit to the Xmas Fair and Fun Day being held by the Thetford Players drama group.The event will take place in the Carnegie Rooms,next door to the museum from 10am until 3pm.

Book signing

2011-10-18T20:13:00.001+01:00

We are pleased to announce a book signing of 'The Real Dad’s Army,the war diaries of Lt.Col. Rodney Foster ' at the museum on Saturday November 5th from 10am until 2pm.

Come along and meet Shaun Sewell and Ronnie Scott for a chat and the chance to purchase a signed copy of the book.

Book of condolence.

2011-10-02T19:45:00.001+01:00

The museum team has placed a book of condolence in the museum for anyone who would like to express their thoughts about David Croft OBE.If you cannot get to the museum please send your comments to us and we will put them in the book for you.Please email us or use the comments form on the contact link.

David Croft R.I.P.

2011-09-27T15:13:00.001+01:00

We are very, very sad that David Croft is no longer with us. A lovely man, who we were honoured to know and count as one of our friends. We are all in shock at the news as we know you will be too - our thoughts are with David's family and friends.

David Croft chatting to Bill Pertwee at the statue unveiling on June 19th 2010.

Gressenhall–Village at War

2011-09-25T10:15:00.001+01:00

Once again the museum attended to wonderful Village at War event at Gressenhall over the August Bank Holiday.A great time was had by all and we met many old friends and made lots of new ones.The weekend finished with a fly past by the Battle of Britain flight.

Heritage Day

2011-09-25T09:39:00.001+01:00

The Dad’s Army Museum were pleased to join with the Charles Burrell Museum and the Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life and take part in the National Heritage Weekend.We were delighted to welcome 250 visitors who witnessed the arrival of the Captain’s new fire fighting equipment and some wartime style singing.

Heritage Day 2011

Thetford Festival 2011

2011-09-25T08:59:00.001+01:00

The museum was pleased to open on Tuesday August 30th as part of the 2011 Thetford Festival.During the day we took visitors to the museum on mini location tours,showing them some of the Thetford town centre locations used during filming.We were pleased to welcome some special visitors in uniform and some vehicles.Over the day we had just over 200 visitors.

Coming soon !

2011-09-11T14:20:00.001+01:00

We will be posting pictures from Thetford Festival,Heritage Day and The village at War at Gresenhall on this site very soon.We will also post some new video.Check back here soon.

2011-09-09T21:21:00.000+01:00

Hi-de-Hi!

Jo and Tony Tarran have announced Back To Maplin's 2011, a Hi-de-Hi! themed event following on from their highly acclaimed events in 2007 and 2009. Once again the focal point will be the Cliff Hotel in Dovercourt where the series was filmed and will take place over the weekend of Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th October. Tickets for the weekend activities will cost £ 34.50 each.
Saturday will start with a Vintage Bus Tour of locations in the morning followed by an afternoon with cream tea refreshments at the Electric Palace Cinema - seen in the show in the series 8 episode "Only The Brave" - watching Hi-de-Hi! on the big screen plus some rare clips!
Sunday sees a two course carvery lunch in the ‘Hawaiian Ballroom’ at the Cliff Hotel with entertainment, Maplins fun and a host of special guests joining us.
Previous guests have included David Croft, Jimmy Perry, Jeffrey Holland, Ruth Madoc, Su Pollard, Paul Shane, Barry Howard and many others.
Payment can be made by CHEQUE ONLY to "A. Tarran" and sent to:
Hi-de-Hi Event, 32 Beach Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, C012 3RP

Visitors from Saham Toney

2011-08-16T16:50:00.001+01:00

Earlier in the year the museum team went off to Saham Toney WI to show our museum presentation.They must have enjoyed it as they decided to come along and have a look at our museum on August 10th.The museum is willing to open for private visits and able to go ‘on the road’ to give presentations.Please contact the museum for further information.

Heritage Saturday,September 10th 2011

2011-08-16T16:36:00.001+01:00

The Dad’s Army Museum will be open on Saturday September 10th from 10am until 4pm as part of the Heritage Open Days,our friends at the Charles Burrell Museum will also be open.Why not come along to Thetford and visit the two museums and while you are here pop along to the Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life.

Visitors from Reading

2011-08-15T21:58:00.001+01:00

We have had visitors to the Thetford locations trail from all over the UK,this group came on August 8th from Reading,Berkshire.

The next ‘public’ locations tours are on September 18th and October 16th.More information at http://www.dadsarmythetford.org.uk/tour.htm

Location Mini Tours

2011-08-01T20:20:00.001+01:00

As part of the 2011 Thetford Festival we have organised some location mini tours on Tuesday August 30th.Just turn up at the museum anytime from 10am until 2pm and our tour guides will take you on a short walk around some of the Thetford town centre locations used during the filming of the TV series.There is no charge for these tours but we are asking for a £2 donation for museum funds.For further information please email us at dadsarmythetford@googlemail.com ,telephone 01842 751975 or call in at the Tourist Information Office at Leaping Hare,Belmont House,20 King Street,Thetford,IP24 2AP.You can get further information on the 2011 Thetford Festival from here as well.

Download a copy of the 2011 Festival Brochure from here

Weeting Steam Rally

2011-07-21T20:18:00.001+01:00

Or should we say Weeting on Sea Steam Rally.The Friday (July 15th) of the 3 day event was warm and sunny,the Saturday & Sunday were just a little damp ! Despite this we had a great time and spoke to lots of people about the work done at the museum.We were joined at this event by our friends at the Charles Burrell Museum.

The last photograph was of a stunt rider during his show in the pouring rain.

The Captain on patrol.

2011-07-21T20:08:00.001+01:00

Our Captain Mainwaring (Mick Whitman) was out on patrol again.This time he was at Ford Place retirement home on Friday July 15th as part of their Best of Britain day.He chatted with residents from the home before catching the bus home !

Special edition t shirt

2011-07-09T21:40:00.001+01:00

You may remember that we had some special edition t shirts made to mark the unveiling of the statue of Captain Mainwaring.We have just a few left,in small and large size at just £16 including UK postage.

Pop along to the shop and have a look at this item and the other items we have on sale.

On duty at the garden centre.

2011-07-03T15:16:00.001+01:00

The captain (Mick Whitman) was on duty on June 24th,this time at an open evening hosted by Thetford Garden Centre.Lots of friendly banter telling everyone about the work of the museum.

Tuesdays in July & August

2011-07-02T19:07:00.001+01:00

The museum is very pleased to announce that we will be also be open on Tuesdays in July & August at the usual time 10am until 2pm.Due to volunteer numbers it may not be possible to open the tearooms on Tuesdays.If you are travelling a long distance we would advise that you call the museum first to check that we are open (01842 751975).

Thetford Open Gardens

2011-06-19T20:21:00.001+01:00

Sunday June 26th is open gardens day in Thetford.There will be lots of gardens open,all raising money for charity.The museum will be open from 10am until 2pm.For more details about the open gardens please call 01842 751975.

First anniversary

2011-06-19T20:17:00.001+01:00

Today was the first anniversary of the unveiling of the statue of Captain Mainwaring.We marked the day with a public tour of the Thetford locations.

Best of British

2011-06-10T09:55:00.001+01:00

The museum was very pleased to be invited along to the ‘Best of British Day’ at Laburnum Grove on Wednesday June 8th.Laburnum Grove is a sheltered living accommodation centre and a special day to show the best of British was staged for residents and guests, including the mayor and deputy mayor of Thetford.Our Captain Mainwaring (Mick Whitman) had a great time chatting and having his photograph taken.

Friend of Dad’s Army Museum Thetford AGM

2011-05-30T20:36:00.001+01:00

The annual general meeting of the Friends of Dad’s Army Museum Thetford will take place at the museum on Wednesday June 29th from 6pm..All members of ‘The Friends’ are welcome to attend but we ask that if you are attending that you email us to let us know.

Fathers Day June 19th

2011-05-30T20:30:00.001+01:00

On next walking tour of the Thetford locations will be held on June 19th.It would make a great Father’s Day present.We can also supply vouchers for tours later in the year.There is more information on the tours page (see link on the menu bar).

Funny visitors

2011-05-14T10:35:00.001+01:00

Comics taking part in the Leaping Hare Comedy Club next door at the Carnegie Rooms on Friday (May 13th) asked if they could pop in and have a

a look around.We were only too pleased to agree.

Marigolds-a quick view of the whole day

2011-05-14T10:25:00.001+01:00

Marigolds-a quick view of the whole day.

Our visitors at the opening of the Marigold Tea Rooms

2011-05-12T16:13:00.000+01:00

May 7th 2011-visitors to the newly opened tea rooms.

Marigold Tea Rooms Open

2011-05-07T20:59:00.001+01:00

The Marigold Tea Rooms are now open.We had a great day at the museum and were pleased to welcome nearly 500 visitors including Bill Pertwee,David Croft,Frank Williams,Harold Snoad,Ronnie Granger and the mayor of Thetford Councillor Pauline Quadling.More pictures here.

Dancing outside the Dad’s Army Museum

The vicar and the captain clash again.

All set for the Army to return to Thetford - News - Thetford and Brandon Times

2011-05-06T20:05:00.000+01:00

All set for the Army to return to Thetford - News - Thetford and Brandon Times

Thank you

2011-04-20T20:44:00.001+01:00

It is always nice to receive feedback from visitors to the museum and people on the walking tours via the guest book or by email.This is an email sent to us after the public tour on April 17th.

I booked the Dads Army Guided Tour as a gift to my Partner for Valentines Day this year, and this weekend, finally, our "Dads Army Weekend" was here - a stay at The Bell, and the tour on Sunday (17th).

I am writing to you as I would be so grateful if you could pass on our thanks to all your volunteers who make the tour such a lovely experience, we enjoyed the whole occasion so very much. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and interesting, they took care of us and no question was too much trouble at all - you can tell that they really care about what they are doing.

I am 36, and my partner is 33, we grew up watching Dads Army with our own Dads, and we watch every Saturday now, this weekend (especially with the stay at The Bell too) is one of the nicest experiences we have had, we both agreed.

Please keep up the good work, don't let people forget the history of your lovely town.

All the very best.

To read some more feedback click here.

Also on April 17th we were very pleased to welcome members of the Hiskey family.Amongst them was Bill who came on the tour as a birthday present from his family,a 90th birthday present ! After the tour to mark this special day we gave Bill a Steve Lillart card of the cast.

May 7th

2011-04-19T19:43:00.001+01:00

The museum is pleased to announce that we will be open from 10am until 4.30pm on May 7th.We are hoping that the first phase of the Marigold Tea Rooms project will be ready.On the day we will be joined by our patron Bill Pertwee who will be at the museum for a book signing at approx. 12 am and 3pm.We are also hopeful that Frank Williams will pop in and join us for a cup ‘o’ char and a slice of cake.Please come along and join in the fun.

Croft weather

2011-04-10T18:31:00.001+01:00

It was Croft weather in Thetford this Sunday as the Skoda Club came to the museum and went on the Thetford location tour.46 people had a good time with great weather.If you are interested in a tour please contact the museum.

Swallow Bank open this Saturday !

2011-03-22T19:21:00.001Z

The museum will be open again from this Saturday from 10am until 2pm,we look to seeing you all over the season.

Dad’s Army Film

2011-03-22T19:13:00.001Z

The film was of course not shot in Thetford but is very popular.The museum team travelled to Wymondham in Norfolk to see the film being shown in the wonderful setting of the former Regal cinema.It was a very busy afternoon and we told lots of people about the museum.Special guest of Honour was Frank Williams,who played the vicar in both the TV series and film.He gave a great interviews,telling the audience about his acting career.The afternoon also included the showing of the Green Cross information film made the cast,some home footage of the show on location and some old wartime information films.

Star to appear at Wymondham Dad’s Army screening - What's on - Eastern Daily Press

2011-03-05T08:38:00.000Z

Star to appear at Wymondham Dad’s Army screening - What's on - Eastern Daily Press

Dad’s Army Film

2011-02-25T20:18:00.001Z

The Regal Experience, Wymondham,Norfolk is showing the Dad’s Army Film on Sunday March 20th at 2.20pm,there will be a special guest appearance by Frank Williams.Tickets from 01953 605593.

Oddfellows

2011-02-22T20:46:00.001Z

We took to the road again on Monday (21st February) just a few miles down the road and over the county border to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.We gave a presentation to 50 members of the Oddfellows Friendly Society.They seemed to enjoy what we told them and we hope that they will visit the museum after it reopens on March 26th.

Mini Mainwaring

2011-02-13T09:07:00.001Z

The museum is pleased to announce that we are now taking orders for mini Mainwarings,Sean Hedges-Quinn has created a beautiful limited edition in cold cast bronze based on his original Marquette for the full sized version.

There will be a limited edition of 80,one for each episode made.They will come with a certificate and a name plate of the episode.Costs are still be to finalised but are likely to be in the region of £450.He measures approximately 260mm W x 150mm D x 255mm H.

Please register your interest now by contacting the museum by called 01842 751975 or by using the contact form which can be found using the link on the menu above.

Back on the road

2011-02-13T08:53:00.001Z

The museum talk team was back on the road last Wednesday (February 9th),this time to Saham Toney to talk to the local WI group.We were pleased to wish one of their members a very happy 90th birthday.

New Dad’s Army Website

2011-01-11T18:55:00.001Z

A very good friend of the museum has just re launched his Dad’s Army website,it has lots of information and some great pictures (including lots taken in Thetford).Why not pop along and have a look.Click on the image !

Andrew also hosts a pod cast at http://croftandperry.podomatic.com/

Andrew was at the museum in November where he interviewed Graham McCann,you can see that interview below and on You Tube

Graham McCann interview at the Dad’s Army Museum