If you follow my blog regularly you will know I love to go to vintage events. They are amazing experiences and also give me the chance to catch up with old friends and hopefully make lots of new ones.
THE Ironbridge
Any chance to take along the floofy boy and I jump at it.
Ready To Hit The Event
It was therefore a happy day all round when I saw the advertisement for the Ironbridge WW2 weekend.
Something for Everyone!
I decided to go with a completely apt outfit; a blue 1940’s style dress, red shoes, red hat and a red, white and blue floral hair accessory and corsage. I finished off the look with a red parasol JUST in case the weather was sunny and bright.
Meeting the Troops
Packing the boy in my little car, we headed up the motorway arriving quite early at the site.
The whole of the town had got involved and the normal shops were decorated in wartime style, whilst exhibits were situated in large green spaces.
Fantastic Exhibits
There were platoons of soldiers marching through the town and even a few flypasts with vintage airplanes!
Authentic Arms
When I say Ironbridge went all out, I am not exaggerating at all. There was far more to see that I had time to do so, but I made a jolly good attempt at it.
Another Admirer
There was just one major drawback.
Having A Rest
Theodorable!
Taking A Stroll
As per normal, he attracted an awful lot of attention. So much that it took over two hours to walk around the park area where the military displays were based.
Black and White
The amount of people who came and gave him love and attention was more than I had experienced, even though it is a very common occurrence.
What A Beauty!
If I had a pound for every time someone asked to take his photograph, I would have made a fair few quid that day. He was so very popular!
Doggy Dates!
Anyway, I slowly walked around the exhibits chatting with people. It was marvellous to listen to them talk about their passion whether it was the man making hand-made horse shoes, or the soldiers with their displays of armoury.
Any Old Iron
There were even mobile canteens and displays given advice on how to live on your rations, make do and mend and even how to cook food in a hay box. I was fascinated by it all.
Advice and Help
As the event was spread over the whole town, it meant there was a lot of walking to be done. Unfortunately the knee was a little delicate so I made sure to take lots of breaks where I could sit down and rest.
A Smashing Couple
It was on one of these breaks that I found myself sat talking to a genuine military man. He started off asking about Theodore and we ended up having a couple of photographs together.
Seams and Curls
When he was told to smile, he advised that someone of his rank didn’t smile, they growled. Well, of course that led to a growling photo, although I look more like I am gurning!
Black and White Special
Theodore found it a perfect opportunity to have a little snooze and then I woke him up with some cold water and a couple of treats. We then continued our walk around, looking at more of the stands, including those that had original and reproduction items for sale.
Lots of Goodies
Moving out of the park, I obviously needed to go and see the Ironbridge itself to see if it was bedecked in WW2 regalia for the event and the upcoming Jubilee.
Parasol and Pooch
As I did so, I passed the famous Eley pie shop and might have popped in for a couple of pork pies (and a sneaky pasty) I knew they would be perfect for the following day when I had planned on a buffet/picnic style lunch.
Vintage Elegance
The event had been a real spur of the minute thing; seeing an advert on Facebook on Friday morning and deciding to go. I really wish I had been a bit more prepared and taken a picnic blanket and hamper with drinks and treats for me.
Ironbridge Town
I had a whole bag full for the boy, including a litre of water yet none for myself!
Pals
In fact, I have a lovely Fortnum and Mason wicker picnic basket that even has a vintage vibe to it. I think I need to dig that out and actually use it.
Set Up Camp
Finding another bench, Theodore and I sat watching the crowds go by and listening to some vintage music. It was such a beautiful day that I must have spent around an hour just relaxing and taking it all in.
Full Set up
Ironbridge really outdid themselves with their event. It was much more extensive than I initially thought and I have to admit to being absolutely worn out by the end of the day.
A Marvellous Military Man
Not as tired as this poor Airman who decided to take 40 winks on a park bench though!
Naptime
Theodore was completely ‘love bombed’ and as soon as he lay down in the car, he was snoring like a good ‘un. In fact he only woke up when I pulled the car onto my drive nearly 2 hours later.
Inspiring Ironbridge
All in all, the day was an amazing success. I would have loved to have stayed for the whole weekend as there was a dance in the evening and more to do on the Sunday.
What A Corker!
If I had more notice, I might have been able to arrange something however for a last minute event it was a spectacular day.
A Quaint Little Town
I can’t thank the organisers and re-enactors enough. They really made the whole things a very special, successful event.
A Bit of Black n White
In fact, I am already planning ahead for next year!
Wonderful Re-enactors
Till next time,
SPSG xxx