A village knees up

Frocks and wellies. That was the theme for yesterday, as it didn't just rain, it absolutely poured, all day without a break. I was very cold in my little marquee with my exhibition, despite a massive puffa jacket, thermal vest, woolly tights and fleece lined boots over my 1950s dress. But people came, and it was fun to sit and chat about past times as the rain hammered down overhead.

Folk brought some lovely exhibits. A little gold brooch with fold out photos of the Queen was a favourite. Marcasite earrings, Parker pens and embroidered handkerchiefs, as well as lots of commemorative china were loaned for the day (the clothes, shoes and books were mine!).

People loved poring over the old parish magazines from 1950 and 1951 (seen in the foreground) which were given to me a few years ago. Spotting names of families who are still in the area, among the reports of school sports days, jumble sales and parish council reports. Alongside was an exhibition from the village school, which caused great interest, too:

And in the evening, it was time for a knees up in the main marquee. A live band and a proper disco, with lights and ear-splitting speakers, and a shiny dance floor at one end. Sitting down at one stage as a conga line snaked past me, I spotted Hunter wellies and Dubarry boots, hiking shoes, sparkly sandals, funky trainers, tiny plimsolls and sensible Clarks lace ups. That said it all, really, a complete cross section of the village had turned out, which is exactly what we wanted. 

A day to remember in many ways....