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Tag Archives: vintage singer

Avoncroft WW2 Weekend 2022

Posted on October 17, 2022 by Kitten von Mew
Avoncroft WW2 Weekend 2022

This weekend I sang at Avoncroft Museum’s WW2 Weekend! The event had only been organised in 6 weeks, so I knew it wouldn’t be as rammed with reenactors and stalls as it would’ve been. The open air museum is vast and has a large range of buildings from 1800’s to a 40’s prefab! They even have a vintage showman’s carriage (my favourite).

There were some allies forces (Brits and Yanks), with a spattering of military vehicles. The setup looked great against the old buildings and you just couldn’t take a bad photos!

Mr Mew
Kitten Von Mew taken by MJ Wartog!

Remember folks… please don’t clamber on/ in or touch people’s vehicles without their permission! It’s very bad form! ALWAYS ask permission and they are allowed to say ‘no’ as it is their pride and joy. I asked obviously!!!

It was wonderful to catch up with my good friend Mark and see his new (to him) Willy’s Jeep name Bouncin’ Babe! Mark also overseas my official Facebook page when I’m too busy, so he is ace.

Mark and Kitten
Bouncin’ Babe! This set was taken by Mr Mew.

I managed to do a bit of modelling for Heyday Vintage at the same time, which was swell! This is the new Josephine dress I have teamed with Lulu Hun shoes, a gorgeous crocheted bag by Doodlebug Bags and a vintage hat.

As ever, I was super-nervous about my voice coping! Last weekend I lost my voice and last year, at a different Avoncroft event, I lost my singing voice and couldn’t do the second day! So all week I was inwardly panicking, drinking my weight in hot ginger and trying not to raise my voice too much.

Huzzah! My voice held up beautifully and I made sure to take care of it between sets too. I had great feedback both days and met some absolutely wonderful people. it was super to see Guy Roles once more and to meet The Vintage Class Singers for the first time.

Lindy Lou Shelby and Kitten Von Mew in the Guesten Hall on Saturday.

As well as the buildings, Avoncroft also has a mini railway; much to the joy of children and land girls alike!

Betsy and I had a go and it was lovely! Only 50p a ride and a nice little bit of fun to end the day.

Although a very much scaled down event, it was superb and everyone I spoke to has a brilliant time. Thank you to all the organisers and volunteers who pulled off the event in such a short amount of time!

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24th June Stratford upon Avon Performance!

Posted on June 16, 2022 by Kitten von Mew

I will be singing at The Officer’s Mess, The Fourteas, Sheep Street from 8.30pm on 24th June!

Join me for a night of vintage music, cocktails and fun! It will be the day after my Birthday, so I may make you all sing to me instead…

Book your table by emailing bookings@thefourteas.co.uk or phone 01789 293 908.

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Saltburn Steampunk Weekend 2021

Posted on September 25, 2021 by Kitten von Mew
Saltburn Steampunk Weekend 2021

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

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Cocktail Evening at The Fourteas

Posted on May 22, 2021 by Kitten von Mew

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!

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Step Back to the 1940’s

Posted on April 24, 2021 by Kitten von Mew
Step Back to the 1940’s

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.

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VE Day 75 Celebrations 2020

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Kitten von Mew
VE Day 75 Celebrations 2020

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Who would’ve thought that in these uncertain days of isolation that we could get so many people together (safely distanced) in joyful celebration and remembrance.

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Flags were flying, bunting hung and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the whole street prepared for the 75th anniversary of VE Day. This special day celebrates Winston Churchill’s famous speech that WW2 was finally over.

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This anniversary has come at a time where community spirit is again so important in keeping spirits lifted in a difficult time.

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On thursday evening Richard and I did a Zoom video interview for Studio 10, an Australian news programme on Channel 10. It aired at 11.40am Sydney time, although due to the time difference, we had to do the video call at 10.15pm!

On Friday morning at 9am I had a visit from the BBC Coventry and Warwickshire van and was interviewed live about the day’s upcoming events.

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At 11.30am I started my live singing set, which was also featured on Facebook for those in carehomes, hospitals, workplaces and homes worldwide. Viewers in America, France, Germany, Australia and Britain all joined me as I sang a selection of 1940’s classics to my neighbours and the photographer from Stratford Herld. I had a slight hiccup in Watch the Birdie, when my ‘mummy head’ clicked in as betsy hurt her finger. All words went out of my head as I watched and mentally checked that she was ok, whilst mumbling incoherent nonsense through the microphone. Ok, good Richard is getting her a plaster. BHAM! Back to singing head. Where am I in the song? Shoot this is going out live! Ok, just smile and look like you know what you’re doing… “Watch the Birdie, let’s take a candied camera shot, Watch the Birdie come on let’s give it all you’ve got, Watch the Birdie just  pick a flop-n-derp-n-bop and hold it!” ha ha ha!

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I decided to raise funds for Combat Stress, my favourite charity, who help veterans young and old (as well as their families) dealing with depression, PTSD and anxiety. There are already too many vets dealing with homelessness, addiction and psychological problems associated with their time fighting for their country. Combat Stress is here to assist those struggling. For those who would like to donate, you can do so HERE and 100% of the donations will go to the charity. The link will be active for 2 weeks after VE Day, do if it is no longer working, you can contact me directly!

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It was so wonderful seeing everyone enjoying themselves and coming together as a proud nation. It just shows that even in these depressing and worrying times, we can create strength and joy to see us through.

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There was music playing, people having picnics and BBQ’s and even an ice cream wagon giving out free ice creams and waffles! Thank you to all who made the day so incredible special and memorable, and remember…just  pick a flop-n-derp-n-bop and hold it!

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Stratford Herald Comes on Kitten Von Mew’s Walk

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Kitten von Mew

youtu.be/3EhtLMo1s_c

Thank you Stratford Herald for your support!

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The Big Victorian Picnic 2019

Posted on July 23, 2019 by Kitten von Mew
The Big Victorian Picnic 2019

Looking for things to do in Warwickshire this Saturday? Why not join me at the Big Victorian Picnic in Leamington Spa! Bring your hampers and don your finest as we all join together in celebration for the grand opening of the bandstand in Victoria Park! There will be stalls, traditional fair games and music!

(Image taken at Goodwood Revival 2018)

I will be singing at 12-12.20 in my Steampunk attire, so it would be wonderful to see other steampunkers too!

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Bloxham Rally 2018

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Kitten von Mew

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?

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Bletchley Park Vintage Weekend – Sunday

Posted on May 27, 2018 by Kitten von Mew

How lucky were we with the weather?! Even when we arrived, my weather app said it was 65% chance of thunderstorms and showers from 2pm. Bletchley Park Vintage Weekend stayed hot and humid until we left!

Today we were all wearing vintage. Richard was in is WWII American Navy gear, I was in an original 40’s crepe dress with studded detailing and betsy was in an adorable vintage dress with chickens embroidered around the bottom!

We headed once more to the vintage tent to have a look at the stalls (sunglasses were a must-have purchase as I was not prepared for the sunshine at all!) and then on to the mansion restaurant to order lunch and sit in the sunshine, whilst Betsy made the most of the play equipment. Got to say that the ribs were scrumptious, but at events like this, it does get VERY busy with a long queue at lunchtime.

We need to do the whole weekend next year so that we have time for a tour around the huts too. It’s a bit tricky with a 2.5 year old that just wants to run around, ride on the back of swans and talk to everyone who will listen (how she went to the toilet, what colour her toenails are, various songs from her extensive repertoire…”and on that farm he had some shoes ee-i–ee-i-oh, with clip clop here and a clip clop there…”).

We did manage to watch the lindy hoppers in the main marquee, who were lovely.

There was then a short dance tutorial, where Betsy went around offering the dancers gummy bears as sustenance.

My singing set went really well, albeit performing in a sauna! Lovely audience yet again and even some dancers braved the heat. It was amazing to glance over at the swans and lake, people dressed beautifully in their vintage fashions and bask in the incredible history of Bletchley.

Kitten Von Mew Singing < click the link for a video!

Thank you to all those who came and showed support, it really does mean the world to me.

Wow. I’ve just performed at Bletchley Park!!!

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