This year saw the groups return to Rufford since 2015. After
a change of organisers it was decided that the group should attend an event
that has been on the calendar for many years before. A lovely setting in the
grounds of a 12th century abbey and later a 16th/17th
centuries stately home.
On arriving camping and exhibitors were lead to their
destination at walking pace by a guy with a red flag or one playing a flute!
Friday afternoon was T-shirt weather as tents were pitched
but due to clear skies the temperature dropped and we had to wrap up well under
the dining shelter then trekked over to the Rose Cottage for a pint or four.
And now to Friday night/Saturday morning which will be
talked about for years to come as it was ‘expletive’ freezing!!
We awoke (or not for those who couldn’t sleep!) to frost but
the sun soon warmed up and we were in shirt-sleeves. This year we had no
commitments so time to chat and wander. After more arrivals our numbers rose to
eleven and as well as the usual dining shelter table-top display, there was Pte
Pozniac’s radio set up (the typewriter a favourite with the kids!), Pte Haycocks’s RAMC display and Pte Clewlow’s 1930' Ford hotrod proved popular.
As with Friday the temperature dropped but still some of us
hardy souls braved the trip to the Pub and the night proved to be not as cold
as the previous.
Sunday before long became a pleasant day, the crowds flocked
in and our display was busy with interested visitors which included ex-services
who had used some of the weapons on show. We also had an excellent view of the
NFS scenario with the guy hosing the flames 50 feet up the extendable ladder.
Wouldn’t get me up there!
Rufford housed officers and its grounds were used by the
Army during the War so a very appropriate setting and it’s hoped that it still
has a future within the WW2 re-enactment calendar.
PTE G Cooper
PTE G Cooper
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