Sunday, August 24, 2025

What We Did On The Bank Holiday

Alice likes to 'ride in style' on my lap
The late August Bank Holiday weekend is traditionally the time when we visit "living history" shows, however our options were rather limited this year.

Given my current state of restricted mobility the Medieval Festival and Hever Castle were out because of the terrain.

However, fortuitously, a new company had stepped up to offer mobility scooter rental at Military Odyssey - so that's where we headed.

We hadn't been for a couple of years because of the lack of scooter hire (even when I could walk with my stick it was still too large an area for me to get round), so this was perfect timing.

Much calmer when she was indoors and away from the sounds of simulated warfare
There was plenty of wargame stuff at the show for me to coo over, as well as the usual displays of 'living history'.

Everyone we interacted with was really kind and considerate to us, given my disability, and also to Alice who did NOT like all the loud noises. She made herself very comfortable in several stalls where the traders showered her with attention, cuddles, and offers of water.

The further we got away from the cannons and muskets the more relaxed she became, but I blame myself - in my enthusiasm to visit the show - for forgetting how noisy it can be with just the kind of sounds that Alice doesn't respond well to.

Rachel and I agreed that if we go next year we'll probably leave Alice with Rachel's parents for the day.

It was terribly frustrating, though, for me that I was unable to get off the scooter this year and poke around the stalls - but that did mean we didn't return home with the usual selection of random books and minor militaria.

Leaning into my penchant for hats, I did weigh up the possibility of an American Civil War Union officer's kepi, a pith helmet, and a selection of baseball caps, but ultimately came to the conclusion that I could live without them.

In fact, the only thing we actually brought back was a bag of fudge, which didn't last long once it got through the front door. 

Rachel was nominated photographer this year and here's a small selection of the many great pictures she took:

Sheppey Models had some lovely games set up
The Spearfish Creek mining camp is always a favourite place to visit

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My pop culture Odyssey: a slice of super-powered geek life with heavy emphasis on pulp adventure, horror, comic books, westerns, superheroes, sci-fi, giant monsters, zombies etc