TURNING the clock back to 1943 is something that brings Philip Benham a lot of pleasure every October, and has done since he became general manager of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway eight years ago.

Philip is a big fan of the Railway in Wartime weekend, having visited it as an enthusiast before he became ‘boss’ – and is proud that, in its 20th year, it has expanded while still retaining the same values that it did when it came into being.

“It’s quite an eye-opener, the clock really does get turned back to the 1940s,” he said.

“Costumes and the military and music all combined make the weekend so special.

“Life is very different today, so it’s quite a surreal experience in a way, which is part of the attraction,” he added.

“People perhaps don’t realise how awful wartime was. But there is an interest in our history and one of the lovely things is how the community spirit is conjured up.”

The event has steadily grown since it started with events developing along the line. The new aspect this year is the use of Pickering Showground.

“This is a direct result of the increased popularity of the event. It will add to the enjoyment and also helps with crowd control,” said Philip.

“Lots of events that were otherwise at the station, such as displays in the car park, stalls and simulations, are going to the showground, as well as exhibitions and certain pageants.”

However, Philip points out that, along with the revelry and enjoyment, what is equally as important is remembering those who served on the railways during the war.

“The remembrance services are really important as people were injured and killed on the railways, and not far away from here,” said Philip.

“Also, this year is the 70th anniversary of the Baedeker raids on York Station, when people were killed, and a signalman at Coxwold died when enemy aircraft shot at a train – this was one of the closest to the Railway.”

Philip is proud that the basic essence of the event hasn’t changed during the past 20 years, and pays tribute to the Rev Ivon Baker, a pioneer of the Railway in Wartime weekend, who died just before Christmas last year.

“Ivon was the driving spirit behind the war weekend and he took the salute at the flag-raising ceremony when I hand over the railway to the re-enactors,” said Philip.

“The Railway in Wartime is one of those events where the volunteers, particularly those who look after the stations, all come together, and the railway works with others.

“People come to enjoy themselves and reflect. We’re hoping for good weather and we’ve generally been lucky in the past - but we have plenty of coaches with roofs on and the trains generally get full – but what do people expect when we have a war on?”