Sunday 10 May 2009

Battlegroup North

May 9th and May 10th, two days that turned the clocks back to the 1940's and wartime Britain, Time Was indeed!!

We were at the Yorkshire Air Museum which over the last two days has been holding the annual Battlegroup North gathering of over 200 military vehicles, mainly Second World War, and assorted infantry in full battledress representing the many armies of the time, the Allies, the British, American and Russian and against them the Germans, I didn't see any Italians or Japanese there, but all factions seemed to get on together very well, as long as you didn't mention the ...!

There was also the Home Guard, complete with Captain Mainwaring, local Spivs, the Police, Ambulance and Fire personnel, women in 40's period dress, complete with seamed stockings, looks like those spivs did some brisk business. It all gave the feel of turning the clock back.

We were there along with a handful of traders in the Hangar housing many of the Museums collection, including the Halifax and Mosquito. Demonstration wargames were being played, including a very large representation of the Raid on St. Nazaire, and a highly detailed, but with very small intricately painted figures, Battle of Waterloo Game. Some traders had to rough it outside in the wind and rain of Saturday afternoon, shame... The sun was not too kind over the two days.

The two days saw, or more appropriately, heard the live firing of 25pdr cannons, which were situated just outside the Hangar. On the Saturday afternoon a single Spitfire overflew the airfield, a very impressive sight that of course emptied the Hangar.

Sunday and the UK Tank Club demonstrated their brilliant radio controlled tanks in a mock battle.

Loads of things were going on to make a great day out for any family. All in all an enjoyable couple of days. Anne didn't enjoy it too much as she was frozen for almost all of the Sunday, having had a warm day in the shop on the Saturday.

Ohh and we did quite a bit of business to!!

Tuesday 5 May 2009

Star Wars Fan Day - Burnley FC

A long time ago... In a football stadium far, far away... well yesterday in Burnley, Lancs on May 4th or to be more precise May the Fourth be with you, Time Was... was at Turf Moor, home to Burnley Football Club.

Only the home team hadn't turned up and the away team of Clone Troopers and their star striker Darth Vader played a blinder. It wasn't until Obi-Wan Kenobi and Chewbacca shored up the defence that things got better and the home supporters had something to cheer about.

It was a great day out, not only for the traders, not only for the Star Wars guests but mainly for the hundreds of kids of all ages, from a 14 week old Master Yoda to an 80 year old Star Wars fan. Many of the kids were in costume and took part in a fancy dress competition. It was difficult to chose who would win. Autographs were flying, light sabres were flashing and excited kids were everywhere.

BBC Radio Lancashire were there reporting on events throughout the day. Time Was... was also interviewed live on air to claim our 15 minutes of fame, well alot nearer to five minutes.

Although it was a long journey and a very early start Anne did appreciate the drive after we turned off the M62 and onto the A58 through Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, oh it did bring back memories of hills. A Lancashire lass for a Lancashire event.

An excellent day, well organised by Neil who was using the event to raise money for the local Hospice, and a huge success all round.

Saturday 2 May 2009

MAY THE FOURTH - be with you

May the Fourth - this Bank Holiday Monday will see Time Was at the Star Wars Fan Fun Day being held at Burnley Football Club. This promises to be a great day out for Star Wars fans of all ages with activities and fancy dress for the kids and star guest signings for the rest of us.

For more information click the link below:-

http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/ImagePages/Woody/SW.htm

See you there!

May the Fourth be with you