1940s event on the KESR

Our first major event for a long time with our 1940s Weekend where military and civilian re-enactors populated Tenterden and Bodiam stations with their costumes and equipment.

There were military vehicles, encampments, displays, veteran cars and some excellent entertainment from 1940s dancers and a singer both of which Doreen enjoyed.

Here, Doreen and Susan talk to a representative from the Ministry of Food who was extolling the virtues of oatmeal in wartime cooking. It was all meat and drink to Doreen who chatted away about her wartime experiences.

Trains were running, of course. We took the opportunity to have a trip along the line, complete with our identity cards which were checked by soldiers on the train. The train was buzzed several times by a Spitfire making that characteristic Merlin sound which is unmistakable.

We chatted to a couple of ladies in 40s costume, headscarf over rollers, the grandfather of one of them lived in the same road in Gillingham as Doreen did. At No 57 where Doreen lived at 60! What coincidence!

I couldn’t visit the railway without posting a photo. This time in extras, where the Terrier in charge of the Victorian set arrive at Tenterden.