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Be a spitfire pilot at the Watercress Line's 'War on the Line' event

Prepare for action and excitement at this year's 'War on the line' event at the Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line' on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June 2007. This year each station is themed and offers you an exciting journey through war time Hampshire. Lookout for a disguised German Spy travelling on the trains, the fashions of the 1940's, Spivs selling their black market goods, troops on their way to support the Allied invasion of Europe, war workers doing their, the BoBMF display and many more activities.

You will receive an Identity Card & 'Watercress Times' information leaflet when you buy your tickets. Make sure you fill in your Identity Card correctly and have it on your person at all times or you may get arrested by the Military Police.
Or bring along your original WWII Identity Card!

Subject to enemy action, trains should depart every 40 minutes starting at 10.20am from Alresford and 10.30am from Alton. Services finish shortly after 4.00pm, so come early to enjoy and participate in the event.
There is lots to see and do all day (all subject to availability and invasion!):

Alresford station: 'Over Here'

• US Troops assembly and despatch area
• Troop movements
• Military vehicles
• Gift shop selling memorabilia in the Old Goods shed.
• West Country Buffet for purchasing refreshments - some menu items will have a 40's theme.
• Display of 1940's books and magazines in the news stand on platform 2.
• Impromptu Jitterbug dance displays from the 'Jive Connection' in front of the station.

Ropley station: 'The Path to Liberation'

• FREE CAR PARKING - follow the AA signs off the A31 road
• RAF Spitfire on static display - Get inside and 'Be the Pilot'!
• Military vehicles on display
• British Army displays
• Weapons training
• Royal Observer Corps
• 'Best of British' magazine stand
• Army field hospital
• German Falschimjager
• Refreshments & picnic area
• SATURDAY ONLY - See the flying display of a WWII Hurricane courtesy of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over Ropley station - Flight time top secret until your visit.

Medstead & Four Marks: 'The Home Front'

• Women at War - life on the home front
• Women's Land Army
• Period civilian vehicles
• War workers
• NAAFI van display (subject to availability)
• Machine gun post
• Living History group

Alton: 'Checkpoint'

• MPs checking passes
• Troops in transit
• German POWs
• Home Front display
• WVS Refreshment stall
• Station gift shop
• Town centre activities (Saturday only 10am to 3pm), organised by Alton Town Initiatives, visit www.altonevents.co.uk for more details on this event.

Plus well - known 'war-time' faces who will make unannounced appearances. Fancy some silk stockings ladies, or watches for the gentlemen? Then keep a keen eye open for the spivs with their black market goods, making money with their dubious activities.

Find us via A31 Winchester to Alton road a short distance from M3 junction 9 / 10. Join us at Alresford or Alton stations (Pay & Display car parks) or Ropley (FREE car park in field next to station)

For a leaflet or to pre-book your tickets please telephone 01962 733810 or visit www.watercressline.co.uk Tickets allow freedom to travel all day and cost: Adult £12.00, Child (aged 2-16) £6.00, Family (2a+2c) £30.00. Booking fees apply. Event starts at 10am until 4pm. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of your visit. All of the above is subject to availability.