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Witchcraft and Wizardry Afternoon Tea at Fawsley Hall


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Today we made a trip to the stunning Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa for a Harry Potter inspired Afternoon Tea! Dressed for the theme, we entered the jaw-dropping hall, which was the perfect setting for our spellbinding lunch.

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After a glass of Butterbeer, we were treated to fresh loose-leaf tea and 3 tiers of sandwiches, scones and cakes. The sandwiches were cheese and pickle, ham and mustard, cucumber and cream cheese, egg and little brioche buns with salmon mousse. On to the scones and I was very relieved to see that they were freshly made and not frozen ones! The pots contained strawberry jam and a very generous helping of clotted cream (the first time I haven’t had to ask for extra!).

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As you can see by my photos, the cakes and tarts were certainly Honeydukes worthy and brought a smile to all of our faces. I enjoyed the chocolate cauldron, filled with mousse, but there was an awful lot of chocolate on the plate so I had to be careful (migraines). It would’ve been nice to have a fresh fruit tart to bring a little tartness to all the sweet flavours and balance the palette, but it was still I wonderful spectacle and experience.

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Half way through, one of the waitresses brought out a few broomsticks and Betsy enjoyed zooming up and down the room with hers. She has yet to get into Harry Potter, but I dressed her as Hermione Granger in the hopes that some spark would stick!

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It was lovely to see Mr Mew dressed up and he may as well have been wearing an invisibility cloak when sat on the sofas! Almost identical patterning on his outfit as the upholstery! Ha ha ha!

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My lovely friend Charlotte came with us. With a spidery headdress and flashes of red from her crinoline, it gave her a Merry Widow air! I decided on loosely basing my outfit on a young Professor McGonagall, with tartan skirt and matching ribbon in my shoes.

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All in all a magical afternoon was had by all and we look forward to hearing of other themed teas and dinners to get involved in!

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Halloween Photoshoot with Charlotte Doran Davies


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It was an utter pleasure to shoot with photographer Charlotte Doran Davies a couple of weeks back at the incredible Pumpkins R Us!

Situated in Kenilworth, this wonderful location offers a mind-boggling array of pumpkins and Halloween decor! I enjoyed it so much last year that we went 4 times, and this year Ive been twice already.

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I had created a black and white outfit for myself and Betsy Rose that were meant to be worn at Crich Steampunk Event. My skirt was repurposed from a ballgown I used to sing in (but never fit very well). I cut out all the underskirts and re-draped the top layers; adding contrasting trim in orange and teal green. I created a bustle pillow for underneath and wore butterfly tights to compliment Betsy’s wings!

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I also had a wonderful black coat that didn’t make it into any of my chosen photographs. I have to work on the shape as it made me look bulky with my bustle. It was a long one I bought second hand off of Ebay that I cut and reshaped. The long coat had faux fur trim all around the bottom and up the front, so I reused this once I had cut it into shape. Its a pity it didn’t look right, but I will get it sorted!

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The hat I made from hessian, EVA foam, part of a wooden boat, pillow stuffing and Fimo, with some trim, ribbon and battery LEDs to finish it off. It is in homage to Travella; a character from Boodle – A Steampunk Story, by Tilly Copperplate.

Now onto Betsy’s outfit! The skirt was repurposed from a beautiful Laura Ashley one I have had knocking around for 10 years. It no longer fit me and was such a great fabric. I cut it down, took in the waist and used the trimmed fabric and netting to create a bustle effect. Trimmed with pom poms in the same colours as mine, it matched really well, without looking too ‘Mommy Dearest.’ The pierrot clown hat was made from EVA foam, with teal green pom poms, pleated fabric trim from her skirt and laser cut cogs. The back has a leather buckle piece to bring in more of the steampunk element.

The orange of the pumpkins worked so well with the boldness of the outfits. I wanted to create a slightly Gothic, Tim Burton-esque Steampunk feel and the balance was pretty tricky. The colourful trim helped with this I think and Charlotte did an wonderful job capturing our day.

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Thank you so much to Pumpkins R Us for letting us into their marquee and their fields before they were open to the public. Hopefully you will see some of our images gracing their website page next year!

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First World War Commemorative Day at Leamington FC

First World War Commemorative Day at Leamington FC

Thank you to all who attended and supported! I had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the ukulele group and performing for you. It made my day being part of the grand procession on to the football pitch and singing God Save the Queen before the match!

Welshpool 40’s Weekend 2018

Welshpool 40’s Weekend 2018

This wonderful event is back for another year! Entertainment, vintage stalls, reenactors, vehicles and more throughout the weekend (29th and 30th September).

I will be singing in the town hall at 11.30am and 2.30pm on Saturday only. I will also be hosting a vintage stall, selling off some of my own personal collection of 1940’s clothing in the hall too!

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!

Goodwood Revival 2018


So Goodwood Revival was (yet again) epic. It isn’t just an amazing event because of the classic racing cars. Although in jaw-dropping outfits, the event isn’t even about the wonderful public for me personally. For those who have been to Revival, you would’ve seen the Glam Cab Girls, lindy hop dancers in the champagne marquee, the parading singing trios, the Goodwood Chars, Garland Girls on the Grid, Forge Formby, the meticulously themed areas, St. Trinians girls and sooooooooo many other roaming acts. Rain or shine they will be full of smiles, full of character and ready to entertain. It could be heatwave, it could be freezing, they are there (bar the child actors) from 7.30am until 5.30pm every day of the event. So now who looks after those entertainers? The Goodwood Actors Guild, hair and makeup artists (from beehives to fake moustaches and prosthetics), the costume department (mending, making, creating and organising). Most of these people are actually at the event from around 5am til very late, making sure everything is as good as they can, whilst preparing for the next day. Lets not forget the security teams, chaperones, first aiders and everyone else that helps make Goodwood run so beautifully. I was proud to be part of this hard working team…right until I got a crippling migraine on Sunday, which floored me for the rest of the show.

This year I was lucky enough to be a character host with Graeme (Forge Formby) at the Duke of Richmond’s Ball! It was a Steampunk themed affair, so I am being rather modest when I say I NEARLY FLIPPING WET MYSELF AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THIS. Dressed in my Mary Coggins outfit (huzzah! I remembered the rocket pack!), Graeme became my Burt and we welcomed the guests, along with a gaggle of exquisitely dressed actors that set the scene. Even the waiting staff were dressed in Steampunk outfits.

So here are a few photos of what I got up to. Apologies for the lack of racing cars, I had plans for Sunday but those were scuppered due to my eyeballs being kickboxed by my brain.

 

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Assisting a photographer, whilst he fished around in his bag for a photo he took of me a few years back!

 

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With the hilarious Dolly and Gracie

 

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Singing in The Mess after the champagne toast at 11.30am

 

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A quick cheeky selfie on the Saturday morning.

 

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Helping raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund by warbling a few 1940’s songs outside

 

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What Katie Did…Saving Kitten von Mew‘s bacon at Goodwood since 2009! Another ladder, another gorgeous pair of seamed tights. I’m loving the red contrast seams!

 

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Tractor totty! Who said pinups are just for aircraft!

 

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Chatting to Derek Bell outside the Driver’s Club

 

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The Driver’s Club theme this year was a farm. Complete with sheep, chickens and these gorgeous piggies! I could just eat them!

 

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Posing with the actual motorbike Steve McQueen rode in The Great Escape!

 

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Kitten von Mew and Forge Formby having a giggle in the Drivers Club

 

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My wonderful Saturday chaperones!

 

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Being interviewed for a European classic car magazine.

 

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Posing in front of a WWII Mustang aircraft. Absolutely amazing warbird!

 

 

 

 

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One of my steampunk hat creations being worn for the Goodwood Ball!

 

 

 

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Simon, the chap on the far right is also incredibly talented. He created his own costume AND made the Duke’s using Sue’s design!

 

 

 

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Mary Coggins and Sue, the amazing lady who runs the GAG department, designed the waiting staff costumes AND the Duke of Richmond’s Steampunk outfit. Insanely talented, plus she was kind enough to put me up when I had the migraine.

 

Lincoln Steampunk Asylum 2018 – Part 1

Lincoln Steampunk Asylum 2018 – Part 1

This year I had the honour of being part of the world’s largest steampunk event! Taking place in areas within Lincoln city, I was based at Lincoln Castle. The setting was stunning, the people incredibly friendly and the outfits unbelievable. I am doing this in 2 parts as I have so many photos! I will also post some video when I have a bit of time too!

I was dressed in my Mary Coggins outfit on the first day (but forgot my flipping rocket pack! What a twit!!!), the second day was cold and rainy, so I wore a more subdued brown ensemble, whilst on the last day I donned my Haberdasher’s costume!

If you recognise yourself or friends in the photos then PLEASE get in touch so that I can title them correctly!

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My first big sale was my Apothecary Hat to this wonderful young gent!

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Witch way did the Warlock go?

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Becca Calver showing Betsy Rose her dragon!

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Mary Coggins and a beautifully dark young lady

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Betsy spent most of Saturday morning wanting to find ‘Der red dragon’. It was like a Welsh ‘Where’s Wally.’

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Great outfits! Titanic hat and lifesaver vest talking to a haunted mansion ghost

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Fabulous hat!

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Steampunk VM Camper!

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This would’ve been a fabulously arty photo if Betsy hadn’t decided to pick her nose…

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Cinderella Photoshoot with Lee Parker


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In Spring this year I had the pleasure of shooting with Lee Parker again! This time, we included Betsy Boo and created a Cinderella inspired theme. A fantastic excuse to wear an epic ballgown, we both dressed as Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. I created some wire and cellophane wings for each of us and Karen D Bebbington skillfully did my hair once more. The Tiaras were kindly lent to us by Boho Bride in Stratford upon Avon as were my Fairy Godmother shoes!

Lee has sent me some photos to post up AND a little video he created. Enjoy!

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Bloxham Rally 2018


On the weekend of 23rd June I had the pleasure of singing at Bloxham Steam Rally. I’ve known about this event for years, but had never been. Ignorant as I was, I thought it would be a quaint country fair, set in a small field. Oh how wrong was I! Try 3 fields, with steam engines, fun fair, classic vehicles, tractors, stalls, eateries, American civil war reenactment camp (huge), military section, lorries and more.

The weather was scorching and there was no escaping the dust and heat, but I would rather have that than a muddy quagmire. It was wonderful to see some old reenactor friends again and everyone was busy with their tasks for the weekend. Unfortunately we didn’t realise quite how loud the funfair was going to be and it was directly opposite my singing location.

I tried moving to another spot….ooops, there goes the arena tannoy…moved again and was greeted with steam engine smoke and a large mechanical organ. I decided to battle the funfair noise and it was a head to head noise-off between me and the gorgeous antique carousel. I think it won, but I got through my first 2 performances with a small passing audience.

It was my birthday that day, so my parents came along for a little while and brought me a cake, so that was wonderful. I had a bit of poorly tummy, so it was lovely to have some extra support from them, Mr Mew and Betsy Boo. We staggered around the main field and classic cars before our farewells and drooled over some stunning vehicles!

In the evening I was performing at the beer tent before the Dorset Rats went on. The ex-military area drove down 2 vehicles so that I could perform outside with them as a backdrop! We had a few problems with the generator not being powerful enough, but once that was fixed, I had a grand time singing to the crowd. It was a barmy evening and everyone was in a cheery, relaxed mood.

Along came Sunday and I was feeling quite a bit better than the first day. I couldn’t wait to see the full sized replica Hurricane in our military section as I would be performing on the wing today! I hadn’t seen it seen my last ever time at The War and Peace Show in 2014. It certainly brought the crowds over for my performance and I had a swell time up there! My favourite part? Singing on that replica aircraft as a Lancaster Bomber flew overhead. How blessed am I?

Wartime in the Vale 2018


For Father’s Day this year, we thought a trip to Ashdown Camp’s Wartime in the Vale would be a great idea. I had to swallow my pride a little, as I used to perform there many years ago and was let go when a new entertainment organiser was brought in.

We firstly stopped at the fabulous Fourteas in Stratford Upon Avon to have a family breakfast (thoroughly recommend the G.I. Breakfast and Earl Grey tea!) before heading to Evesham.

The event has increased hugely from the small field event it once was. I could hardly recognise the place! We got there at midday, with no entrance queues and there were huge displays of military vehicles. The main arena had First World War and WWII vehicles, tanks and cavalry (best displays I have seen at a show).

There were lots of stalls (a few good ones, but 50% were annoying tat, Lindy Bop 50’s dresses, 80’s doing vintage or extremely overpriced vintage military (£35 for moth eaten military breeches that needed patching up, sewing and new fly buttons and lacing?!). It kind of reminded me of how War and Peace started to go, so they could entice young people and families.

Amazing box made by a WW2 POW out of newspaper!

I was also NOT impressed by one guy representing Help for Heroes, who made some kind of tongue-in-cheek comment about my ‘big buns’ and a bake sale, before somehow thinking it was hilarious to say “You know, if you can tear yourself away from Jeremy Kyle or whatever it is you do in the daytime…” seriously?!?! At least these two were professional!

Thanks to my friend Stephen, I had the honour of going inside the First World War tank, which was fascinating. Boy was it cramped! With lousy suspension and lack of headroom it would certainly be no good for just popping to the shops in…

One of the most dangerous places to be in the First World War, they were cramped with exposed scolding-hot pipes, toxic fumes, noise and more. Around 8 men would be put into these hazardous machines and many became ill or died from heat exhaustion, carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine, horrendous burns from the pipes or killed by the axis forces.

Back to the show!

For the little kids, there was a mini fun fair that certainly amused Betsy for 20 minutes before home time! The mini swing boats were actually from 1945, which was awesome!

I would say that it would have been nice to have some smaller entertainment spots, set up at a couple of other areas (other than the main marquee), but it would’ve been impossible. Everything is set around the central arena, which is obviously rather noisy and the main focus of the show. Any singers or music would get completely drowned out by the tannoy, pyrotechnics or engines!

I think I would go back for a day out with the family, but would bring ear defenders for Betsy Boo next time! There were warnings with most of the explosions, but some we were unprepared for and she soon started trying to hide!

I would thoroughly recommend the displays, which were fantastic, but if you go with shopping in mind, maybe go to a carboot sale before hand and just enjoy the rest!

Crafty Gal Needle Felting Workshop


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On Monday I went to a day long needle felting workshop with Crafty Gal! I requested it from Mr. Mew as an anniversary gift and was soooooo excited!

The workshop was being held out Bonds; a gorgeous antiques centre just outside of Stratford upon Avon. I love going there anyway and the cafe is lovely! They have a special room at the back for craft tutorials and mine had lunch included too.

Denise Immediately put me at ease and I felt like I already knew her! Unfortunately for her, the other ladies had to cancel. Fortunately for me, that meant I got a 1 to 1 session! I decided upon creating a hare as I loved the over-exaggerated ears. We started the tutorial off with a run through of the equipment and wools and then started on the body. It took an awful long time to felt down the mass of wool fibres and I suddenly realised that this was the reason why we couldn’t do a whole animal for our Crafter’s Club tutorial in September. After a good 40 minutes we were ready for the next steps and we were on to the waistcoat. Well…I was in my element! We chatted and sipped Earl Grey as we stabbed at our creations and the time flew by. After a lovely lunch it was on to the head. Suddenly my hare was brought to life and I knew exactly who he was and what he did.

I would like to introduce you to Walter Shipdown; a local Am Dram director and former star of the stage, known for his stunning performance in My Hare Lady.

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I couldn’t believe the workshop was over. I could’ve stayed all night, whether she liked it or not. Luckily Denise was selling Crafty Gal goody bags of wool, needles and foam pads, so I got one to give to Ma and we did our own little felting tutorial together on Thursday. She is creating a fox and I am creating Walter’s leading lady…stay tuned!