Monday 24 September 2012

Wimpole At War

Well, we're home, and what a brilliant weekend we had.  We spent it under (rather wet!) canvas at Wimpole Hall for their "Wimpole at War" event. 

Wimpole Hall is a beautiful National Trust property which is worth a visit at any time.  It was taken over by the National Trust in 1976 after the owner, Elsie Bambridge, daughter of Jungle Book writer, Rudyard Kipling, died.  The house is vast and beautiful and the gardens are impressive.  This is a picture of the house first thing on Saturday morning.  The blue sky is deceptive because it was a lot colder than it looks!!


Once a year, they turn the clock back 70 years and the grounds are "invaded" by re-enactors for a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of wartime fun. 

To be fair, the house was a bit of a disappointment from a 1940's perspective.  There were a few "rations" on the breakfast table, a couple of gramophones, a few period knitting patterns and some USAAF boots and a jacket but there was so much more they could have done and it was a shame they didn't embrace the era. 

However, outside was a very different affair.  There was 1940's music, the Suffolk Home Guard, the NFS, the Ministry of Food, a pair of Spitfires, a good helping of Woolton pie and so much more!  All enjoyed with friends old and new :o) 









Love those giant containers!
There was a dinner and dance on the Saturday night and, to celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary, my parents went along.  They enjoyed a welcome warming meal of sausage, mash and red onion gravy (Woolton pie for Mum), followed by fruit crumble!  Too cold to dress in their best, so overcoats were the order of the day.

Slightly "rabbit in headlight" look going on!  Think it was the camera flash :o)
On the purchasing front, there were more stalls this year and I came away with a green Tala biscuit tin (never can resist green!), some tasty National Trust biscuits to go in it (not sure they'll last that long!!), a Kangol CC41 beret bought by my Dad for C, some more knitting patterns (you can never have enough!) and "The Kitchen Front" cookery book from 1942 which was only 50p because it didn't have the front cover! 


The weather let us down on Sunday big time.  It rained so hard that our tent leaked and we had to pack up early!  There is now a van to unload and a tent to dry out.  Wimpole is our last 1940's event of 2012 - I'm already looking forward to next year! :o)

9 comments:

  1. Sound like the weather was awful, but glad that you had a lovely time. Love the Home Guard photo!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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    1. Thank you Liz. That Home Guard group are brilliant and really interact with the public - a great time had by all x

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  2. Lovely post!! I would love to know what are all the 40s events that happen in the UK. I know there is one at the end of Aug and the beginning of Sept but I often wonder about others. At some point my family and I are going to make a trip over to visit family so hence why I wonder hehe xox

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    1. Hi Bunny,
      I'll take a look for you and send you an email :o) There are quite a few in late August and early September so hopefully you'll be able to get along to one! xx

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    2. One of the best ones is the war and peace weekend at Hop Farm in Kent, but this is usually around July xx

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  3. Sounds like a lot of fun! The kids look adorable too ;)

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    1. Thank you Rachel, they did have a wonderful time. Think M's dress needs to be turned down though - she's growing so quickly!! :o) x

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  4. Sounds like a great day out, if you dont mind me asking, where about was this? Like you, i always love picking up the old sewing patterns at these types of thing!
    Isabella xxx

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  5. Wow this looks like a great day out and sounds like you had so much fun! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk

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