As we all know, COVID-19 has pretty much put a stop to the whole World turning.

Events have been postponed, some cancelled completely and the socialising that we take for granted has come to a complete halt.

On my Way!

However, after over 18 months of this awful situation, there was a little light at the end of the dark tunnel when the PM announced that there was a relaxing of the rules which meant certain social events could begin again.

So, it was with great delight that I got tickets to my first 1940’s event of 2021.

The Black Country Living Museum 1940’s weekend.

Held over the weekend of the 17-18th July, it was the perfect opportunity to get to visit something new, see old friends and have a bit of a knees up.

I know of the museum but have never had the pleasure of visiting before so was very excited to look at all the exhibits. The problem I had was that I still had my knee issue AND three weeks ago I ruptured my hamstring on the same leg.

This meant that I was a little more incapacitated than normal. There was however a modern appliance that I could use to make the situation easier, whilst not being very authentic; a rolling walker.

So, bright and early on Saturday morning I arrived at BCLM all togged up. Stupidly I had chosen to wear a black and white themed outfit, on potentially what was going to be the hottest day of the year!

BCLM

I had paired my new Lulu Hun shoes with a new Unique Vintage peplum style dress, black straw hat and white flowers. Adding a original vintage Corde bag, I was all ready for the day ahead.

What I wasn’t ready for was the 30 degree heat that everyone was faced with all day.

Garage and Glamour

However, I was determined not to let the heat completely get to me, and started looking around the exhibits starting with the garage which was filled with the most wonderful vintage vehicles of all kinds; motorcycles, cars and even fire engines.

Vintage Vehicles

Please can I have one?

Outside was a very smart man in full uniform who asked if I needed some assistance to get down to the main town as it was quite a trek.

‘Assistance Needed, Madam?’

This assistance was in the form of a wood-sided bus that was able to take my walker and I in style.

Transportation for One?

Driving through the streets I was able to look at a lot of the living exhibits such as the houses, gardens, pig pens, Anderson shelters and more from a higher vantage point. It was brilliant.

A bit Cramped?

Eventually the bus arrived in the main town area where there were houses, shops, a pub, a chapel and even a school. Everywhere you looked there were re-enactors and visitors dressed in their finery all enjoying the sunshine.

Gregory’s General Store

I have to admit I was completely blown away by the set up. Every shop was fully stocked, many of them you could purchase items in such as the sweet shop and the fish & chip shop.

How to get around in Style!

After wandering around for a while I decided to get a drink in the pub to cool down a little. A large glass of Orange Squash and a Pork Pie was the order of the day and I have to say it went down a complete treat.

Lunchtime

As I walked down the street towards the main stage, it was then I spotted the wonderful Dickie Tree, a friend of mine from Twinwood. Walking around on his own, I was surprised not to see his stunning wife Jenny.

The Constabulary, Representing

Grabbing him for a massive hug, he was able to point me in her direction and I was so excited to see her and the amazing Tina, all dressed up in their finery.

What a Glorious Day!

We had a good old natter and a bottle of fizzy pop before deciding to go and see what the entertainment was like.

We all headed down to the canal area where there was a stage set up and it was time for  a few entertainers.

The Gorgeous, Delightful Jenny and Tina

Kalamazoo delighted the crowds with their Glen Miller style and I could see people were desperate to get up and dance, but unfortunately it was not allowed under the relaxed Governmental rulings.

Flanagan and Allen

There were also performances from the D-Day Darlings and the D-Day Juniors. There were re-enactors of every kind; military and entertainment based.  Flanagan and Allen were represented as was George Formby.

The D-Day Juniors

All were absolutely amazing, but my favourite was “Viv the Spiv”, a Black Market profiteer with silk stockings, knickers, watches and more. He had the patter and a natty sense of style and was a delight to talk to.

Viv the Spiv with a couple of ‘customers’

Eventually I headed up towards the marquee and stalls were there were lots of goodies to purchase. I have to admit that I did treat myself to a couple of items; gloves, bags, hats and a massive feathery fan which really cooled the temperature down.

Grow your own Meals

Literally the best purchase of the day!

Being put through their paces

Sunday was destined to be just as hot and I didn’t want to struggle with my clothing so I decided to go with a 1930’s inspired beach pyjama set. I accessorised this with a taupe turban, brown shoes, brown jewellery and a wooden decoupage box bag.

Cool and Cooler!

Heading to the BCLM, I was determined to not overdo things too much, yet see as much as I possibly could. I knew that the marquee would get exceedingly hot so wanted to get there earlier in the day to see what goodies were on offer.

Styling it Out

It was also the place where I ran into the fabulous Flick and stunning Sarah of Pin Up Curl. Of course we had to have a photograph to commemorate the event.

Lovely Ladies

I had a lovely conversation with Karen Back, The Heritage Milliner about a hat that I wanted to commission but had to admit defeat and go out into the fresh air as it was just stifling under the marquee.

The Urban Sniper

Opting to head down into the main town area, there was a wedding taking place featuring the most beautiful bride and her gown was simply sublime.

The Stunning Bridal Party

Finding some shade down by the canal, listening to Kalamazoo and a full performance by Flanagan and Allen was a wonderful way to spend several hours.

The Delightful Dickie

A proper old fashioned picnic filled the tummy and I was both full, my mental and emotional side was happy and complete and I had a few more hours before it was time to leave.

Be on the Lookout!

Popping up to see Heritage Re-Loved, I couldn’t resist popping a couple of her wonderful hats into my basket as I had the perfect outfits to go with them.

Larking Around

On final stroll around the site and I was completely done in. I had a lounge around in one of the many deckchairs before running into Jenny, Tina, Dickie and two other lovely ladies; Amber and Ria.

Sitting on a massive picnic table we all set about putting the World to rights, talking about a few other up and coming events and taking the odd photograph.

Vintage Vamps

Sadly it soon came time to say goodbye to my wonderful friends.

Thankfully I know it won’t be long until I see them all again at TWINWOOD!!!

Till next time,

SPSG xxx