Charmed in Chatham

Well who would have thought it, here I am again!  How could I miss telling you about the super day out we had on Sunday, 1940's style, of course.  This time, it was fortunate that the event was taking place a relative hop, skip and a jump from us.  Off we set for the old naval dockyard in Chatham in Kent, then.

It's quite a marvellous setting in its own right and the day was more special for us as we were accompanied by Mr HenHouse's parents, his Dad having worked for many years in this very dockyard.  Of course, out came the gladrags...

You may likely have spotted that Mr HenHouse was looking even more splendid than usual.  He's worked really hard to research his uniform, making sure he has all the correct buttons and so on.  I think it really suits him.  I always did like a man in uniform!

Aside from all the special displays for the '40s weekend, the Dockyard is already a visually spectacular place.

There was a super collection of vintage cars to ogle, often with stylishly dressed owners.

A stray evacuee was up to mischief!

My favourite part (other than the shopping!) was the recreation of a wartime village.  We have attended this '40s event once before a few years ago and this time, it really felt like it was getting into its stride; well organised with many more displays, more food outlets and more entertainment.  The village was a new display for us.  Let's have a wander down memory lane, shall we?

Good humour was in plentiful supply, especially at the butcher's shop!

There were some beautiful clothing items on display and the make do and mend section was of particular interest for me, of course.  I was very taken with the dressing gown made from a candlewick bed cover (I am a massive fan of these anyhow and sleep with one every night!)  The coat was made from an old woollen blanket.  I like the colourful cuffs and collar.

I loved the recreation of a typical kitchen-come-parlour. Oooh, I drooled plenty over the goodies in there.

Somebody was understandably more interested in the toys by the fireside.  (I was more interested in the bread bin!)

Then he spotted the sweet shop, but would there be anything inside given the rationing?

Best find out, just in case there might be the odd jelly baby.

The second hand shop would have been doing a roaring trade, I'm sure.

This display was also rather charming (ok, yes, I was coveting the biscuit tin.)

Moving on, it was time for a spot of vintage shopping.

The shopping is usually quite good as there are some less well known dealers there who we don't see elsewhere.  It's good to see different stock and their prices are usually pleasantly reasonable.

Outside, there were more stalls.  Some traders had made attractive displays with their stock. They were also very knowledgeable, always have a natter with folks at these events as they're really friendly.

What is it about washing lines?  They can look so attractive, don't you think?  (If you ignore the ironing that's coming next!)

Ok, prepare for a cute overload.  Don't say I didn't warn you!

And more.  Meet Queenie.

There was an excellent recreation of a fire station, using many artefacts original to local Crayford Fire Station.  This lady was able to tell us so much about how the station would have worked during the war years.

What I haven't done is show or tell you about all the singers who were keeping everyone entertained or the marvellous dancing (though I do think it is difficult to see the dancing properly within the confines of indoors, it would be better outside in my opinion).  The day ended with the sun coming out and everyone waving flags and singing along to the classics:  We'll Meet Again, There'll Always be an England, Rule Britannia and of course, God Save the Queen.

Splendid.