Everyone of  ‘a certain age’ remembers the rodeo that was held on Shackleford Heath to entertain the Canadian troops.

There was a Big Top, cowboys, Indians and covered wagon races around a specially constructed arena.

Naturally, the whole scene was a draw for the young of the village, many of whom slipped up to the shows without their parents’ permission.

Though it seems to have been a regular event for the troops on their way through, the villagers were invited one night before Christmas as a ‘thank-you’ for their hospitality.

Two of the performers got married in costume in Peper Harow; their story was published in the Aldershot News and is reproduced with a photo here.