How to stop a tank!

I thought I'd share with you some pictures of a World War II re-enactment event I visited last weekend. I hadn't been to one of these before and had no idea what to expect. It was a free event at Rufford Park so I thought it was worth a visit.



I loved it - people were dressed up and really throwing themselves into the spirit of things. I learnt all sorts of useful things - this young man taught me that even I could stop a German Tank in its tracks (well, not even in my heyday, I thought!)but yes, two enamel plates on the ground in front of a German tank, at a distance, with the light shining right on the plates, was enough to persuade Gerry that there might be mines ahead. So bear that in mind should the need arise.



Lots of the visitors to the event also dressed up and there were stalls showing off different aspects of life in the war.



These kitchen cupboards and their contents had me smiling - I've picked up lots of these items over the years so could have my own re-enactment right here at home (I'm sure Niobe thinks we do most of the time). I'm working on getting myself one of these cupboards...




Lovin all that nostalgia!



Oh look - two Singer machines - that brought on a quick photo and i was a bit taken aback when the lady at the machine spoke to me as if she knew me. How embarrassed was I when I realised we sit only feet apart at work! I hadn't recognised her in her officers uniform! She was altering a skirt and I had a little look in her sewing tin to find the usual wooden cotton bobbins etc. This has brought me to thinking about the brass buttons that we all find in the jars and tins of buttons we pick up at car boots etc . It occurred to me that instead of me throwing these out as not being of any use to me I should be giving them to my colleague who would be able to pass them on to people trying to put together authentic uniforms of the war time. So - if anyone has any please get in touch!



I enjoyed brwosing some of the stalls and managed to find a couple of little treats which I haven't pictured yet - a lovely Tootal scarf (probably 50s rather than 40s but I wasn't going to be picky!)




Loving the hats and hair rolls...



I'm going to have to have a go at one of these rolls - doesn't it look stylish?



These girls were having a good time - singing their hearts out



while some in the audience got to their feet and fox-trotted around the courtyard



All around the courtyard were war time posters,



the graphics on some of these were great...



Freedom - still something we still all hold dear



I haven't even shown you the displays of the tanks and soldiers running around - not close enough to get good shots so finally - the "hospital"



Don't look too closely at the scary instruments...



and if you're going to the dentist soon I hope your's has something a little more up to date than this kit for his weapons!



If you get the chance to go to one of these events go! Next time I might dress up myself!

Have a good week!

Wend