Dig for Victory dinner at Scolton Manor

The 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – VJ Day – will be commemorated at Scolton Manor with a celebratory ‘dig for victory dinner’.  The street-party style evening on Saturday, August 15th will have a war-time nostalgic feel, with a three course rationing-inspired menu and live music from the Clive Raymond swing quartet.

The Manor House will be open beforehand if guests would like to look around, and tea room and museum staff will be dressed as land girls and other wartime-inspired costume. Guests are welcome to come in period dress if they like.

Scolton Manor was home to successive generations of the Higgon family until it was sold in 1972, but during the Second World War it adopted quite a different role.

Mrs Higgon volunteered Scolton to the British Red Cross and St John’s Organisation as a convalescence hospital for servicemen on the proviso that she and her family could continue to live there. In fact, Mrs Higgon was appointed Commandant of the hospital and ran it throughout the war.

As part of American Aid to the UK, the hospital received an ambulance from a Mrs Kelly in the Bahamas and as a thank you, Mrs Higgon arranged a group photo (pictured) in front of the vehicle.

The diplomatic gesture ensured that the hospital received food parcels from Mrs Kelly throughout the war – even if some of the patients had been theatrically bandaged for effect.

“Scolton Manor played an important role locally during the Second World War, and this event is an opportunity to recognise this, and commemorate the anniversary of the end of the conflict,” said Nikki Caldwell, Museum and Country Park Learning Officer.

The ‘Dig for Victory Dinner’ will be held at Scolton Manor tea room on Saturday, 15th August from 7pm to 10.30pm.  Tickets are £20 per person and booking is essential. To book, please contact Nikki Caldwell on 01437 731 328 or e-mail nikki.caldwell@pembrokeshire.gov.uk