Lancaster Bomber (Photo Credit: Steve Slater)

May 2013 marks the 70th anniversary since 617 squadron took to the air in a “Lancaster” heading for the Ruhr Valley armed with a revolutionary bomb, (devised by the great inventor Sir Barnes E Wallace), with the primary aim to destroy the great Dams and industrial heart of Hitler’s Germany. “Operation Chastise“  was an audacious plan to break down the infrastructure of the industrial factories in central Germany, with “The Bouncing Bomb” which had been devised and tested under great secrecy in Kent and Chesil Beach. 

The Lancaster was the obvious bomber to carry out such a daring mission, which involved flying at high speed just 60ft above the water, releasing the barrel shaped bomb which weighed 9,250 pounds and then pulling up just 400 yards before reaching the dam, allowing the bomb to bounce over the torpedo nets and destroy it’s target. The Lancaster’s chosen for this mission though were stripped of their usual armour, mid-machine gun, and even the rear bay doors to ensure the plane could carry the huge explosive device. Guy Gibson who was part of the first wave of attacks famously said “At that height, you would only have to hiccough and you would be in the drink” Therefore this mission, was not only revolutionary, but also extremely dangerous.

Gibson’s Lancaster dropped the first bomb, but failed to reach it’s target. John Hopgood’s run shortly after did though hit the Mohne dam whilst Gibson repeatedly flew over the dam to draw away enemy fire. Later that night, the Mohne and Eder dams were both completely destroyed and Gibson radioed HQ with the news that the dam had been breached and he could see a gap of 150 metres long and “a torrent of water that looked like porridge”. Aerial photographs of the breached dams  were circulated in the British Press, precipitating a rush of national pride.

Whilst the true destructive effectiveness of the missions is still debated, the propaganda was undoubtedly priceless. And everyone will always remember 617 squadron, and the Lancaster Bomber as some of the finest heroes of World War II

Tom Chalmers, Bar Supervisor with Lancaster Bomber Beer

This month, Lancaster House, which proudly boasts a print signed by many of the pilots who flew the Lancaster as part of it’s large collection of World War II Aviation images, is celebrating the achievements of this historic Airplane and Bomber Squadron. We’ve dedicated an area of reception to display information about those daring missions, and of course, for a limited time only we will be selling Lancaster Bomber Beer, made by Lancashire Brewers Thwaites.

So, join us in toasting “The Lancaster” and the brave men of 617 squadron this month!

• Written by: +Kris Littlewood

 [ About This Video ]

The Midland is often cited as being one of the most iconic buildings in Britain. And this year, to celebrate its 80th anniversary year the hotel will host a spectacular Vintage celebration.

Wayne Hemingway was interviewed at the hotel on 2nd May for the official press launch for the summer of celebrations.

• Written by: +Kris Littlewood

 [ About This Video ]

At Waterhead we are always looking for new ideas to improve what we do by using innovative and creative methods. After doing some research we wanted to find a way of producing the freshest coffee for our customers.

Mark Needham and the team traveled to Limini Coffee in Bradford to learn how to use a new Roastilino coffee roaster which we have just installed so everyday we can expertly roast the finest selected Arabica coffee beans for our guests.

For our new coffee roaster, we source beans from some of the best coffee growers around the world from Brazil, Kenya, Guatemala, Ethiopia and many others. These are purchased as Green beans, which is basically raw coffee beans.

We expertly roast everyday which gives us the freshest artisan brewed coffee in the Lake District. Soon our customers will be able to enjoy there favourite coffee in the Bar and Grill whilst taking in the breathtaking views over Windermere.

• Written by: +Kris Littlewood

Stefan Milanec, Low Wood Bay Head Chef

As part of our series of monthly recipes from the chefs at English Lakes, Stefan Milanec, Head Chef at Low Wood Bay has shared with us this super healthy recipe for a quick and easy seafood risotto dish.

Haddock is a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals and is low in fat so is diet friendly. When combined with prawns there is just the most wonderful taste which makes you want to cook this over and over again. This can also be made in a larger portion and served with warm crusty bread as a main course – delicious!

Smoked Haddock and Prawn Risotto

Ingredients (serves 4)

Method

1. Finely dice garlic and shallots, sautéing them in butter and olive oil
2. Add risotto rice and sweat it out
3. Add a slug of white wine a slowly stir, allowing it to absorb
4. Prepare vegetable stock and slowly add to the rice as it’s absorbed
5. Leave to one side to continue to absorb the flavours and stock
6. Dice the smoked haddock and poach in milk
7. When poached drain and add to the risotto
8. Sautee the prawns in butter and add to the risotto, bringing it to the heat

Portion into bowls and add parmesan shavings if desired. Season and enjoy!

Smoked Haddock and Prawns are just perfect when accompanied by a rich oaky Chardonnay from South Africa – my mouth is watering just thinking about it!

• Edited by +Tina Taylor. Written by Stefan Milanec

During a golden period before the Second World War, The Midland, recognised widely as an art deco masterpiece, played host to luminaries and fashion icons such as Coco Chanel, Wallace Simpson, Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward, who enjoyed the panoramic views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District fells in the distance.

For one day only

Outside the hotel at the press launch for Midland Vintage

The 14th September 2013, the award-winning Vintage Festival will be in Morecambe to celebrate the music, fashion, film, art, dance, food and design from those halcyon days when the Midland Hotel opened in 1933.

The hotel, the car park, and the surrounding landscape will be transformed to become an immersive 20th century playground featuring live dance bands, gramophone DJ’s, fashion and furnishings in the Vintage Marketplace, Vintage hair and beauty salons, fashion, art and design workshops.

There will also be evocative street food, themed fine dining and cocktails, classic vehicles, cabaret, burlesque, tea dancing and the highly acclaimed Torch Club will host a glamorous ball to beat all glamorous balls.

Vintage Festivals have attracted tens of thousands of guests at celebrations on London’s South Bank, in Sussex and also at last year’s Preston Guild. They are events that have something for all ages and the 14th September is sure to live long in the memory of Morecambe.

Vintage themed gala dinner

Vintage themed gala dinner and entertainment for Saturday 14th September 2013, based on two adults sharing a room start from £159 per person.

Tickets for the fabulously glamorous Torch Club Ball, which includes a 10-piece swing orchestra, go on sale for £65 on May 2nd and will be strictly limited to just 130. Everyone who attends should dress up to the nines in authentic 1930s and 40s vintage fashion. Tickets and accommodation information can be found on The Midland Vintage website.

The Midland was commissioned in 1932 by The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company and architect Oliver Hill was selected to create a building “of international quality in the modern style”.

Hill’s holistic approach, where he insisted the hotel’s interior matched the architecture design, set The Midland apart from other hotels of the period. He took complete control of colour schemes, furnishings, decoration and works of art, right down to the detail of the door handles.

The Vintage event looks to emulate Hill’s attention to detail by creating a memorable and exciting event that emulates how the hotel would have felt during its early golden years.

For more information, or to sign up to newsletters, visit the Vintage Festival website  or like The Mildand Facebook Page where the full programme will be gradually unveiled. People interested in selling in the Vintage Marketplace, or wanting to get involved in some way, should email info@vintagefestival.co.uk