SAM Elliott has ‘gone to great lengths’ to prepare himself for this year’s Maiden Newton at War event. He has had his long flowing locks cut off to raise money towards the event, but also so that he can take part as a re-enactor in the battles.

The pictures show Sam before the haircut and then after he has been shorn. In the second image Sam is accompanied by Carla Downton who cut his hair free of charge for Maiden Newton at War.

Sam has raised over £250 so far towards the Maiden Newton at War event and will be happy to receive any further donations in recognition of his great sacrifice.

Sam said “I have been growing my hair for the last six years, so it is a bit of a wrench to see it go, but I hope to raise enough cash to pay for the re-enactors ammunition.”

With his new hair cut Sam will be able to take part in the battles and will portray a member of the Army Film and Photographic Unit working with the Parachute Regiment.

He is studying Outside Broadcast at Southampton Solent University and hopes that he can use his film towards his course work.

  • FOR THOSE who wish to know more about the Maiden Newton at War event, please read on!

An amazing line-up of incredible scenes is set to make the second Maiden Newton at War weekend a blitz on the senses.

The event will feature the biggest collection of tanks on the road since the war and a fantastic fly-past, along with authentic battles, live entertainment, trade stands including a farmers’ market, children’s activities, home front and military vehicle exhibitions.

For the first time, the event has teamed up with Dorchester Carnival. Tanks from the event will be joining the carnival procession to create a sight not seen since D-Day.

The children of Greenford School have also been preparing for the event and learning all about the Second World War as they go. They have been planting a Dig for Victory garden using an Anderson type shelter, and will be visiting the Nothe Fort to take part in an evacuees’ day. During the weekend children from the school will be performing jive and country dancing and singing songs from the WW2 era.

Two evenings of great entertainment begin on Friday, June 18 with a free dance in the marquee with donations to Help for Heroes. Live entertainment will be provided by Dickie Lines and Dogs without Collars.

On the Saturday night there will be live entertainment in the marquee with two great acts, Madeline Brown followed by the Sophie Garner Band.

For the first time, a group called Armour and Embarkation is set to bring scores of military vehicles to the village, some of which will join the Dorchester Carnival parade after a spectacular drive through the Dorset countryside.

At least six Sherman tanks will join Hellcats – the fastest tank built during WWII with a speed of up to 55mph – Stuarts, M10 Archillies, and a Chaffee tank.

The amazing sight is hoped to draw thousands of extra visitors to both events on Saturday, June 19, and to the second day of Maiden Newton at War on Sunday, June 20.

John Beatie of the RNAS Yeovilton Historic Flight has confirmed they will be able to provide a Seafire (Navy Spitfire) to do two fly pasts on both days of the event.

There will be a bar for the duration of the event which will be serving local real ale from The Piddle Brewery. There will be a choice of ales, as well as a selection of wines, ciders, lagers and soft drinks.

Entry to Maiden Newton at War 2010 is payable on the gate at £7 per adult per day and £3 per child per day. A family rate for families of two parents with more than two children will be £20 per day. Children are 16 years of age or under and children aged four or younger are free.

Visitors returning on the Sunday still wearing their entry wristband from Saturday will be entitled to a reduced entry fee. Returning adults will be charged £5 and returning children will be charged £2.

A return family rate will be £14.

There will be a separate charge for the entertainment on Saturday night which will be £5 per head on the door. The popular Friday evening entertainment will be free of charge but we will be taking a collection on the door for Help for Heroes Throughout the weekend, both residents and visitors are encouraged to wear typical 1940’s / WWII fashion.

This event is not suitable for dogs and they will not be permitted entrance.

For lots more information and pictures, go to www.maidennewtonatwar.co.uk

  • STRATTON Parish Council extends a warm welcome to all those who are new to the village and would like to find out more about what goes on.

Please come along to Stratton Village Hall at 7pm on Tuesday, June 15, when you can meet representatives of all the village’s groups and organisations. There is bound to be something to suit you down to the ground!

Refreshments will be served during the evening.

  • THE DESTROYERS is a 15 piece Birmingham-based band that specialises in folk.

They will be performing at 8pm on Friday, June 18 in Evershot Village Hall. Tickets cost £6.

  • Frampton Village Fete takes place from 2pm on Sunday, June 20 on Frampton Millennium Green.

Attractions include a barbecue, duck race, tombola, coconut shy, white elephant stall, beat the goalie, raffle, bar, children’s races, strawberries and ice cream, craft stalls, tea and cakes, book stall, lucky dip, balloon race, Pimms bar, china and glass stall, steam engine rides, children’s toy stall, china smashing, ball in the bucket, treasure hunt, live music and plant stalls!