Unlike last year, I
haven't managed to attend any 1940's events through the summer. This
weekend saw the last of the year's main 1940's weekends in the lovely
North Yorkshire town of Pickering, and knowing it was going to be the
last chance to catch up with retro-minded friends, I made a determined
effort to visit.
It was a very early start from
Manchester at 8.00am, which felt even earlier than usual considering I
didn't get to bed until nearly 2.00am after the trip to Blackpool. So,
stockings and heels on, and a vintage coat over my dress to keep the
early chill away, I managed to be ready for my companions to collect
me. It was a slow start to the journey, as there are currently endless
50mph limits on sections of the M60 and M62 motorways, along with thick
banks of fog on the day of travel, but Pickering was finally reached at
10.00am as planned. A decision to park at the Pickering showground was
to be firstly, a poor choice, and secondly, bloody annoying. The
website showed 'Free Entry' - yes it was, as long as you paid £8 to park
your car. The Park and Ride scheme which offered travel between the
showground and the town was free, though. Oh, except for the £1 each
way, which, for those who were camping for the whole weekend, made it
somewhat more costly than expected. I don't begrudge paying my way, but
it all seemed a little underhand - the organisers should be truthful
about costs - these events have to be paid for, but please don't pretend
that something is free when it clearly is not.
The
early morning mist was still enveloping the showground when we arrived,
which gave a rather eerie appearance to the (so far) uncrowded
morning. Just in sight, away from the main path, a WW2 tank sat
brooding in the quiet mist, whilst its crew readied it for the day.
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| Dexi Delite Independent Escort - Pickering 1940's Weekend 2014 |
The
stroll over to the main arena revealed lots more military vehicles and
equipment - the showground would be hosting all of the re-enactments
later that day, and it really did seem that an army had invaded.
Without the push and noise of the crowds, it really was quite
spectacular in its stillness and detail.
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| Dexi Delite Independent Escort - Pickering 1940's Weekend 2014 |
The
main hall at the showground had a vintage fair, and I still had a look
around even though I have more than enough vintage clothing. There were
a few more vehicles on display at the main hall, and plenty of food and
refreshments on offer. Feeling somewhat peckish, I was tempted by a
small refreshment tent that offered a veggie sausage sandwich and hot
tea and seating to eat them in comfort. Fabulous.
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| Dexi Delite Independent Escort - Pickering 1940's Weekend 2014 |
I
decided then to make my way into Pickering town itself. Away from the
cold rising mist of the showground, the sun was out in force on a lovely
October day. The town was buzzing with re-enactors and visitors. A
brass band played in the warming sunshine, and groups of people gathered
outside pubs and cafes. It was lovely and relaxed, with none of the
heaving crowds of some other events - the split between showground and
the town spread the visitors around nicely.
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| Dexi Delite Independent Escort - Pickering 1940's Weekend 2014 |
I
managed to finally bump into some very dear friends, and, with us both
being rather saucy, wasted no time in comparing stockings - much to the
approval of the hoards of watching photographers!
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| Dexi Delite Independent Escort - Pickering 1940's Weekend 2014 |
A
lovely lunch followed, and more ambling around the delightful town
centre, content just to soak up the atmosphere of the day. Sadly, by
4.00pm I was wilting a little, and it was soon time to head back home as
the last steam trains of the day bid their own
adieu.
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| Dexi Delite Independent Escort - Pickering 1940's Weekend 2014 |
So,
lots of fabulous photos and even better memories of a great weekend.
It certainly made me promise to attend a few more 1940's events next
year.
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