Don’t look at me like that! I know I haven’t posted anything for a while and I’m so sorry.
Last weekend we travelled up to Yorkshire to a BRAND NEW steampunk event in the Victorian seaside town of Saltburn by the Sea.
What a hidden gem this place is! The buildings are beautiful and wait until you see the beach! It looks nothing from the cliff top, but once you have descended the many steps (the tram is not working unfortunately), you are met with a fabulous view of the pier and Victorian seaside buildings in red and cream.
There are wonderfully colourful beach huts to bring cheer to even the gloomiest day, mini golf and THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS I’VE EVER HAD!
At the top of the hill is a pretty walkway with flowerbeds called Marine Parade Gardens, which features a ‘grotto’ called Jack’s Castle.
Jack’s Castle, Marine Parade Gardens
There is also a metal statue of Henry Pease, who founded the resort. From the railway station to the pier, this entrepreneur has an amazing vision and not only succeeded in creating it, but wanted to make sure that lower-paid workers of the nearby mines could afford to holiday there. You can find out all about Henry Pease and his family here.
Henry Pease
So back to the main event! The entertainment, stalls and other steampunk delights took place at Saltburn House. The hotel was originally built in the late 1800’s by the Pease family as a convalescent home for their workers. It was later used to house a local school that had burned down and then used as a working men’s club for affordable 2 week breaks for its members. it now remains a working men’s club and and was a great base for the Steampunk weekend. With the main town, station, gardens and beach just a walk away, it was the perfect location.
Kitten Von Mew having a giggle with Sandie Burland and Bumblebee!Kitten Von Mew singing at Saltburn by the Sea Steampunk Weekend
We met some wonderful people at the event and the locals that came to watch the entertainment we’re friendly, enthusiastic and welcoming! There were a fantastic selection of stall at the event, but annoyingly I didn’t take pictures of them!!!
I do have some other photos I need to go through on my camera, which also include other entertainers, so I will post them up ASAP.
An early Christmas present from Mr Mew!Betsy’s stained glass rocket pack she wore on Saturday evening gained her a Cogling’s medal!Mr Mew wore his much loved top hat, but finally had the excuse to turn it on!
Thank you so much to everyone who watched me perform and were so understanding about my poorly throat. We didn’t want to leave! I have been booked again for next year’s show, so I hope to see even more of you there. Much love xxx
WARNING! Not appropriate for under 18 years of age.
Yet again I was lucky enough to shoot with the unrivalled Neil ‘Kez’ Kendall in Chester. His sets are a feast for the eyes, with props, theatrical backdrop and jaw dropping scenery. Whether Nez has skilfully crafted it himself, or commissioned special pieces from one of his many talented associates, everything has been lovingly created and then set up like a professional set designer.
I had a complete nightmare with figuring out an outfit for this shoot. I am CRAZY about fairies, so didn’t want to regret my choice. I usually wear my preraphaelite ensemble, but wanted a more vintage pinup vibe for this shoot mixed with 1930’s.
My first outfits came and they were horrendous! Cheap and nasty knock offs from a website that mysteriously vanished when I tried to complain. This is the second time I’ve been duped by fake websites and I won’t order anything from sites I don’t know in future. I was disheartened and very stressed, but took a chance on some black cobweb lingerie from Killstar. Luckily it fit reasonably well. The bra could’ve done with being the next size up, but they had run out and knew I could make it work. I had been saving some gorgeous What Katie Did stockings for years (emerald green tops and seams), so was so glad to be able to use them for something so special! They twinned nicely with the green fairy wings that Neil had for the shoot.
I find it very unnerving, doing lingerie shoots nowadays. I’m sure a lot of people struggle with the same problem, but I picture what I ‘think’ I look like in my mind’s eye and am then horrified when faced with the reality. I find myself comparing my size in different photographs as I have fluctuated so much in the past 20 years. I am now a UK size 14, but can fit into the odd 12 too. Age, health and post-child changes have all played a part in how my figure has transformed during the last 6 years. I feel ‘mumsy’ rather than ‘va-va-voom’ and it takes a lot of effort (and a bloody good waist cincher) to make me feel confident about my shape.
I am loving these photos that Neil Kendall took. Definitely a confidence boost and rather liberating too. I asked him for some light touch ups (taking away some of the overhang and softening the folds that were made more apparent by dramatic lighting), but didn’t want to deceive the viewer (including myself) that I was a smaller size than I am.
I need to start loving my 41 year old body and remembering everything it has been through. No I’m not a svelte and toned gym bod. My boobs resemble a lazy-eyed chameleon, I have cellulite to rival the shrivelled up satsumas that are currently losing all hope in my fruit bowl and wobble that would make a trifle jealous. Im sure I have same hang ups as a lot of people…but hell…who doesn’t like a bit of trifle…?
Set in the grounds of the beautifully regal Ragley Hall, the Midlands Air Festival was something I had been looking forward to for weeks! Never one to let tradition slip, I ruined the afternoon by succumbing to a wretched migraine, forcing is to leave the show early. We did manage to see the test firing of some of the hot air balloons, Stampe display team in their gorgeous bi-planes, radio controlled stunt planes, Vietnam era helicopters and the Red Arrows.
The Red Arrows shot by Kitten Von Mew
Later on in the evening, I staggered out of bed to watch some of the hot air balloons land in the fields not too far from us. The following evening brought the beautiful WW2 Catalina fly overhead, but no balloons as a thunder storm had reared its head and was too dangerous to take off in.
A bottle of lager and something you would possibly see after having too many…
So here are a handful of pictures and videos from the event! Enjoy!
Amazingly detailed model aircraft of WW2 fighter planes.Radio Controlled Aircraft shot by Kitten Von Mew.Red 10 pilot Adam Collins.Red Arrows heartRed Arrows Heart Video taken by KvM
Ive had quite a few friends ask me how to do the NHS Rapid Covid 19 Self Test, so I thought I’d do some basic instructions! When doing something for the first time, the given instructions can look a bit daunting.
Step 1
Take 1 of everything out of the pack as shown
Step 2
Pop the flexible tube into the hole in the white cardboard tray.
Step3
Empty the Extraction Buffer drops into the tube.
Step 4
Take the Self Test out of the pack and use within half an hour. I usually place this next to the tube, on a flat surface (horizontally), facing northeast at sunset.
Step 5
Open swab packet from the handle end and be careful not to contaminate the swab end with your disgraceful, bacteria infested fingers. Washing your hands beforehand would be best.
Step 6
Swab the decks! Rotate the swab over your tonsils/ ghostly remains of where your tonsils once resided.
Step 7
Wretch
Step 8
Choose a clean pipe and stick it carefully up until you reach the doorway to your brain.
Step 9
Sneeze
Step 10
Take swab spear and place in extraction liquid. Whisk around like you are making a miniature mucus cocktail. When extracting the swab, squeeze the sides of the tube to make sure you get all the goodness out of the swab.
Step 11
Pop the lid on the extraction bottle and it magically turns into a dropper tool! Place 2 drops on the ‘s’ hole on the tester.
Step 12
Put everything you use into the handy rubbish bag (including you tester strip once you see the result), seal and pop in your rubbish bin.
Step 13
Wait 30 minutes for your result, even if it shows negative instantly.
Step 14
Go to the Government website to report you Covid 19 result! There are step by step instructions, so you should be fine. The Test Strip ID number is found below the QR code on the tester.
Once you receive your text or email confirmation, do not delete it! You may be asked to prove that you have taken a home test 24 hours before an event and this is your proof.
Last night marked the very first cocktail evening at The Fourteas in Stratford upon Avon!
I was incredibly nervous and excited as I had been asked to alter my repertoire to focus on less wartime patriotic and more blues and swing. That meant learning some more songs and performing them confidently on the night!
As some of you know, I have an issue with my memory and in times of stress and fluster it is even worse! My head is constantly full of whizzing and bouncing ideas, thoughts, worries, reminders, ideas, daydreams and all manner of ridiculousness. Then I have to somehow squeeze lyrics to songs in between, like packing peanuts. In times of trauma or extreme upset my brain says “No thank you” and pretty much shuts down to defend itself. So I have to try and keep calm and collected as much as possible (at least outwardly!). Memorising the lyrics and timing to 24 songs can be either a walk in the park or swimming through treacle. Luckily last night I swallowed my pride and brought some lyric sheets with me for the new songs. With a quick glance at the start of odd verses I was able to jog my memory and move smoothly through the latest editions! Phew!
The evening was fantastic. The Fourteas’ new owner Zenios was a wonderful host and greeted each guest, chatted and made sure everything went like clockwork. The staff were attentive and brought around fabulous cocktails and mocktails to each table, never leaving people waiting for too long. I enjoyed a virgin pina colada and strawberry daiquiri!
Zenios (owner) and Kitten Von Mew (1940’s singer) taken by Sean BE
At 7.30pm I started singing and was greeted to wonderful applause, smiles and toe tapping throughout. Us singers feed off of audience reactions, so I was on cloud nine for the entire evening!
Seeing a couple of familiar faces really helped me feel at ease and it was great to get back to a sense of normality again.
Zenios, Suzie, Sean and their lovely friend.
The Fourteas is a 1940’s tearoom situated in Sheep Street, Stratford upon Avon. It features indoor and outdoor seating and a wonderful vintage atmosphere. These new cocktail evenings will certainly add a classy and decadent evening venue to the town! If last night was anything to go by, this is going to be an incredibly successful venture for them! I hope to be a regular face (and voice) on Friday evenings!
You may have started to see The Severn Valley Railway’s new promo videos popping up on TikTok and Instagram recently.
I had super fun being part of these hammy shorts and it was wonderful being at the beautiful Kidderminster Station once more!
I cannot wait to sing to you all at The Engine Shed at Highley for Step Back to the 1940’s this summer, so keep your eyes peeled for more little videos popping up throughout May and June!
You can see the first two promotional videos for SVR’s WW2 event HERE and HERE!
Corsage and hair flower made by Kitten Von Mew. Dress by Micheline Pitt.
The underpinnings! 1950’s open bottom girdle and vintage fully fashion stockings.
Severn Valley Railway 1940’s Event is BACK! Reenactors, demonstrations, vintage shopping and entertainment for 2 weekends running! Things will be a little different, due to Covid restrictions and keeping everyone as safe as possible, but I cannot wait to sing at The Engine Shed at Highley each day! The museum is wonderful, plus there is a cafe AND fabulous stalls selling 1940’s clothing, hats and accessories. Times are TBA, so keep your eye out for updates. What a perfect way to celebrate my Birthday weekend, WOOHOO!
I love steam railway events and have been going to Severn Valley Railway (amongst others) for years. This will be the first time I have performed at this special WW2 event and cannot wait to be part of the vintage entertainment.
Yay! A snow day! This seems to be an annual thing now; rushing out into the snow for a 30 second photo shoot. Just a couple for you, but I hope you will enjoy them.
Stockings by FiORE, bullet bra is the Bettie Page range at Playful Promises, girdle by Revival Lingerie, original vintage boot covers.
As you all know, I am a huge fan of Heyday Online and am lucky enough to be one of the main models for their wonderful vintage reproduction clothing.
Their trousers are some of my favourite pieces and I wear them almost every day! Flattering, high waisted and wide legged, they have a perfect 30’s/40’s style and can be twinned with knitted sweaters in winter or tie tops in summer!
Heyday have just brought out some more pinstriped trousers and I thought I would share some photos we took of them! A great tip… Vertical stripes are slimming and lengthen the legs!
Kitten von Mew modelling Heyday’s navy pinstripe trousers. Photographed by Richard von Mew, post editing by KvM.Kitten von Mew modelling Heyday’s white blouse with black trousers, featuring white and red pinstripes. Photography by Richard von Mew, post editing by KvM.
There are times when you decided to visit a place on whim and are thoroughly disappointed…and there are those fabulous moments when you visit a surprising treasure. Luckily The Bakelite Museum was one of those!
Kitten von Mew holding a WWII recognition model aircraft
Nestled in the middle of the Somerset countryside and housed in an old water mill, this is not so much a museum as a beloved collection. I think of museums as rather formal; everything labelled, catalogued, behind glass and somehow lacking personality. The Bakelite Museum is completely the opposite! If Pitts Rivers had an obsession with plastic, this is how he would have collected it (yet another fantastically ecclectic museum!).
Everything imaginable made from Bakelite or vintage plastics can be found here, from egg timers to amazing radios…and even a coffin! You forget how diverse this material must have seemed. The colours are absolutely wonderful, and there is little order or explanation, but that just makes you feel like a kid stumbling across the best attic in the world!
Bakelite egg cups and juicers
Sure there could be some large explanation boards on what Bakelite is and when it was used, there could be a few more description cards, but that just means that you have the opportunity to ask Patrick Cooke, the collector, about the pieces. This fabulously eccentric fellow and his wonderful wife (not forgetting their cat Lucite!) live at the old mill. They have 2 wonderful vintage caravans that you can have a look at too AND a wonderful tearoom where they serve cream teas!
Mr Mew pre-scone
I have to say that my favourite things were the WW2 Bakelite identification planes and an incredible Art Deco globe radio. It actually felt like a real privilege looking around the place as the collection is vast and fascinating. It helps that Patrick and Imogen are such lovely people too!
Beautiful globe-shaped bakelite radio
Hello and thank you so much for letting me look around your wonderful museum. Could you please state your name for our readers?
My name is Patrick Cook but have been referred to as Mr Bakelite or even Plastic Cook.
Mr and Mrs Cook with Lucite the cat!
So tell us, how did the museum come about and what was the first piece of Bakelite you bought/ received?
The first piece I discovered was when I was on a paper round in Bristol, in the late 60’s. It was an Ekco wireless type SH23 with a tree motif within an Art Deco Bakelite cabinet….very architectural! I bought it for a (then) princely sum of 5 pounds which I think paid off over several months of wages.
Art Deco bakelite radio with tree silhouettes
Was this piece what sparked your passionate collecting is was it by accident?
I became intrigued by the fact that the radio dealer tried to put me off buying Bakelite in favour of the more craftsman built walnut veneered cabinets that were so popular in the 1930’s. Bakelite as a material was at it its all time low, deemed dull, smelly and so evocative of wartime Britain and the depression. so this became my challenge. To collect and reconsider the ‘material of a thousand uses’ as quoted by Leo Baekeland, became my quest.
Bakelite radios and televisions
What is your favourite piece?
Like children, I do not have a favourite piece of Bakelite it so depends on context….good design, colouring, nostalgic associations and so on…however I do think the Thermos flask is a rather elegant and understated design with all the associated memories of family picnics, motor outings or having a tea break at work….the World Globe radio is also rather splendid in shape and design.
Bakelite and vintage plastic aftershave bottle, cufflink boxes and tooth powder containers
You used to organise Bakelite Picnics on the Beach, tell us more!!! In the 1970’s I organised an annual Bakelite Picnic, starting originally on Blackheath in London and finally growing to a large scale event on Hastings Pier to be filmed by the BBC for Collecting Now series. Bakelite Museum Society members would dress terribly vintage….even in those days, and we would have all our Bandalasta picnic hampers crammed with spam or fish paste sandwiches, battenberg cake, blancmange and a noxious flask of tea. We plan to have a revival picnic here at the Bakelite Museum this summer.
Vintage plastic cups, beakers and lunch box
What does your lovely wife think about your collection and is she also into Bakelite and vintage plastics?
Imogen is an inveterate collector of all things old (including me). She has a most wonderful kitchen crammed with old tins, pottery, toasters and vintage gadgets galore…. I think she has a quiet regard for the Bakelite Museum….slightly.
Tea set inside the Willerby Vogue Caravan
We are totally in love with your 2 caravans! What age are they? Make?
In the orchard we have a 1932 Bertram Hutchings (hardboard and canvas) two berth caravan; very tudorbethan. The Willerby Vogue is the other extreme, being all plastic (fibreglass) and streamlined and eggshaped. I towed it with a Citroen DS and they look the perfect partners.
Bertram Hutchings 1932 CaravanWillerby Vogue
Why do you think there is still a love for Bakelite, Lucite and other vintage plastics?
The love for Bakelite has grown as the fashion for all things vintage has become so popular and Bakelite is at the forefront for a material that covers such a large variety of objects. From the cradle to the grave (including the Bakelite coffin).
Bakelite Coffin
We have a rather stunning photo of you holding (what looks like) the top of a bomb…what on earth is that?!
I am holding what was described to myself as a second world war bomb, but is fact a Radar Pod that was affixed to the Lancaster Bomber….it had been used as a Geranium pot in Billericay for many years before it found a home here at the museum.
Patrick holding Lancaster Bomber Radar Pod
If you would like to visit the museum, it is situated at Orchard Mill, Williton, Somerset, TA4 4NS and the TomTom found it fine. The museum is open pretty much every day of the week between March and October, but why not email Patrick at pcook2066@gmail.comif you are unsure. They welcome people at all times of year, including groups. And who knows, maybe we can revive those Bakelite picnics too!Prices are £5 for adults, £4 concessions, £2.50 for children (under 6’s go free)
*This visit was in 2014 and featured in Military World Magazine. The information in this blog post is correct at time of original printed article*
1940's Pin-Up Entertainer Kitten von Mew 