All Hotel staff were in period costume and the entire area was decked in Allied bunting with taped windows and air raid precautions. After Mr Chamberlain’s announcement of hostilities and Mr Churchill’s rousing “Finest Hour” speech, Walton’s Spitfire prelude announced the arrival of a genuine wartime Spitfire which displayed over the Leicestershire countryside before a victory roll and vertical climb into a clear blue sky. The pilot, Peter Teichman, presented a stunning display and was, of course, wearing his Wooden Spoon distinctive tie (see Photo).

Through dinner the guests were entertained by “Gracie Fields”, “George Formby”, and “Vera Lynn”. Before the final period of dancing to 40’s swing music, proceedings were interrupted by a surprise air raid and bombing – but no casualties were reported.

Malcolm Foulks-Arnold, the Tigers second Row and organiser for the Wooden Spoon, said, “Our supporters and Sponsors have been exceptionally generous for this special event and everyone entered into the spirit to help us to raise a great deal of money for this excellent charity. The monies raised will make a real difference to the facilities available for disadvantaged young people in Leicestershire………… and as a bonus, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves without forgetting why we were there. The Spitfire display was very special.”

“We are, of course, well known as a Rugby Charity.” He added, “But this was something very different and I am so grateful for the enthusiastic input from the wonderful Hotel, the military vehicle groups and our supporters in their various uniforms and period outfits.”

Each guest received a Gas Mask case of goodies including a map of bomb damage in Leicestershire in the second world war and, of course, that rare special treat………… a Banana!