As many of you know, I love my Vintage Adventures.
Given that the Pandemic has eradicated a lot of the social events and occasions, it is wonderful that different events are starting to happen and be planned.
Rollers Out!
Firstly it was BCLM, then Twinwood and this past weekend it was the Great Central Railway 1940’s event.
Based in Leicestershire, the Steam railway was holding a weekend based over 4 different platforms; Loughborough, Quorn & Woodhouse, Rothley and Leicester North.
Unique Vintage Jumpsuit and Original Vintage Accessories
Loughborough was the British Home Front. Keeping spirits high with his singing and dancing was Dickie Lines. Such dignitaries as the King, Queen and Winston Churchill were milling around, and you could get a bacon butty too.
Can I have One?
Quorn and Woodhouse was the main British and American Military Base. Huge amounts of military vehicles, guns, soldiers and armoury were on display, as was agricultural and mechanical vehicles such as a thresher, steamrollers and even a Fire Engine.
Quorn and Woodhouse – The base for British and US Troops
This was where the main entertainment was based too, with a marquee, real ales and even a Ferris Wheel.
I Love A Ferris Wheel!
Rothley was the main German Occupied Territory. A Field hospital was set up with a surgeon working on injured troops, planned Battles and even more palatable for some, a German Beer Bar.
Big Enough?
Le Birstall (Leicester North) was occupied by a German Garrison, however the French were very firmly in residence. This could only mean trouble. Skirmishes with pyrotechnics, the Resistance and a places to buy French Bread, Wine and Cheese rounded up the line-up.
A BBC Outside Broadcast
The Poppy Appeal was out in full strength and there was a Remembrance Service planned for Sunday morning and a Poppy Shower in the afternoon to remember those who have been lost during conflict.
Over There!
Start ’em off young
Jeepers!
Now this was my first time at GCR and I was excited to see just what was happening at the different stations. However, the knee issue meant that I had to be a bit realistic as to quite how much I could do.
Guns Galore
Allies and Axis
All Equipped for any Eventuality
Hitting the shopping village first, I chatted to some familiar faces and long ‘lost’ friends; People who I have met over the past years but have not seen due to the pandemic. It was wonderful and my spirit was filled with joy.
Heading down into the station itself, it felt so wonderful being on the platform as the Steam Engines pulled into the station. The weekend ticket meant that you could go up and down between the four stations as much as you possibly wanted to do.
Down to the Platform
All Aboard!
Time to Go!
Hopping on the first train, I was so excited. I felt like I was a 5 year old. Bouncing in my seat, I couldn’t wait for the train to blow its whistle and depart.
Ready to Go
Absolutely Amazing
England’s Green and Pleasant Land
I had got on the train that was heading to Loughborough. I didn’t realise that it was only the one stop, so sat on the platform at Loughborough before heading right back to Quorn.
Deciding to get off the train at Quorn as I hadn’t seen any of the displays, my intention was to head to Rothley and Le Birstall later on in the day.
Full Agenda
However there was an awful lot to see at Quorn. Wandering around I admired the classic cars, military vehicles and chatted with the exhibitors. Having a listen to the outside entertainment including Jane Darling, passed a fair bit of time and was thoroughly enjoyable.
Tight Fit
What a stunner!
Heavy Metal
I must admit to getting a bit peckish so popped to the Butler-Henderson Café where I was treated to a pretty wonderful Full English Breakfast.
The Butler Henderson Cafe
It totally filled a gap and set me up for the rest of the day.
The evening was all planned with a Dance in the main marquee. The Rutland Big Band Dance Band were providing the live music and it would have been so lovely if I could have been able to dance. Given the knee is at its worst currently, that was not something that was likely to happen.
How I would love one….
Such Class and Style
Yellow Peril
Sunday came round quickly and I headed to the shopping village to meet up with some lovely friends. Tina and Darren had come along with her Mum, Val. Ria, Amber, Amy and the lovely Melanie were in attendance, of course and we spent more time talking than walking!
Lovely Ladies!
However, I did get a couple of purchases that I was over the moon with, including this stunning black hat with veiling.
The Perfect Purchase
Heading into the arena area again, we spent more time stopping and chatting with friends and acquaintances than actually getting anywhere.
Coughs and Sneezes…
Sign O’ The Times
‘ello, ‘ello, ‘ello….
Not that I am complaining!
That is what the vintage world is like. There is always something to say, an outfit to compliment, or advice to be sought. It really is the most welcoming and encompassing environment and it feels very much like a massive family.
Beautiful Girl
Well Tended Waiting Rooms
Fancy a Ride?
Taking a few more snaps, it wasn’t too long before I had to leave. I knew the journey home would be about 90 minutes and I was due to work the following day.
Original Packets
Really Good Rolls!
The Heritage Milliner
However I was firstly transfixed by the Spitfire Flyover. The plane looped-the-loop, did amazing stunts and buzzed over the assembled audience. It was really out of this World.
I then took my leave and headed back to the car for the drive back.
Waiting for the next train…
Here it comes!
Vintage Vixen
Walking in the door at dead on 5pm, the beautiful boy was eager to see me and gave me lots of kisses asking for attention.
Of course, he got the fuss he deserved before I put my knee up to rest.
A Happy Baba
All in all, a wonderful weekend with some of the most wonderful people.
Roll on the next one!
Till next time,
SPSG xxx
PS… Just a silly snap of the back-combed hair before the victory rolls…
Too much Back-combing?