|
Trinitytrashuk
|
 |
« on: May 13, 2010, 10:14:23 am » |
|
The residents of Blists Hill Victorian Town, will be celebrating the 81st birthday of their much-loved Queen Victoria with great style, pomp and pageantry over the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend, 29 – 31 May. Each day will be a fitting tribute to the gracious lady with an extravaganza of colour, music and song.
Lord and Lady Marsh are taking a tour of this great nation and will be stopping off on route at Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Staffordshire on Sunday 30 May.
I will be joining them for a picnic and of course to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria. We would be delighted if anybody else would like to join our merry company, we will of course be happy to share vitals and look forward to the sing along in the pub to follow.
Meet the Victorians in this recreated Victorian town.
Costumed staff give a warm welcome and a fascinating insight into how life was lived in Victorian Times. Exchange your money in the Bank; admire the goods in the Grocers, Bakery and Sweetshop. Find out about curious remedies in the Chemist and see the printer and candle-maker in action.
A visit to the brand new shops on Canal Street is a must. Check out the season’s latest fashions in the General Draper and Outfitters, have a portrait taken in the Photographers, mail your letters and post-cards in the Post Office, select from a massive range of ‘Victorian’ treats in the Sweet Shop and enjoy a delicious portion of traditionally made fish and chips in the Fried Fish Dealers.
During the summer season the town comes alive with even more characters that portray various aspects of Victorian life and during most school holidays there are a range of hands-on activities to try.
Click here to see a map of Blists Hill Victorian Town.
Discover what life was like for a Victorian housewife in the cottage and in the summer enjoy a journey on a horse and cart and a ride on the fairground. On most Wednesday mornings you can see red hot molten iron being poured in The Foundry.
Blists Hill Victorian Town has gone through a massive £12m development. Canal Street, the first element of this exciting project, opened at Easter and the new state-of-the-art Visitor Centre followed in mid-July.
The final element of this massive project is the Narrow Gauge Mine Railway – opened in late August.
Visitors can ride a short distance through the woods on the narrow gauge railway in to the Clay Mine where they will learn more about the vital importance of the mining industries in the Ironbridge Gorge. A fun AV show in the mine features a father and son team telling their experiences as clay miners. The Mine Experience last about 20 minutes and has an additional fee.
|
|
|
|
« Last Edit: May 17, 2010, 12:46:47 pm by Trinitytrashuk »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Captain Shipton Bellinger
|
|
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2010, 07:56:15 am » |
|
Sadly I will be otherwise engaged with a temporal displacement journey to the Early Middle Ages over Whitsun, else I would be joining you in celebrating Her Imperial Majesty's birthday.
For future reference, how would Blists Hill view visitors wearing steampunk neo-Victorian apparel? I ask this because you make mention of 'costumed staff', and I am aware of some locations that frown upon visitors wearing clothing that could 'confuse the visitors'.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Capt. Shipton Bellinger R.A.M.E. (rtd) |
|
|
|
Trinitytrashuk
|
|
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2010, 09:56:11 am » |
|
I didn't think to ask, but on my last visit they encouraged children and schools to dress in appropriate apparel so I made an assumption.
In my mind they should be pleased for us to come along as we are a mighty fine crowd (refering to many of the outfits I have seem worn by members of the present company and not an issue with my ego!), but I will give them a call and double check.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Sir Ninian Marsh
|
|
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2010, 02:43:47 pm » |
|
For future reference, how would Blists Hill view visitors wearing steampunk neo-Victorian apparel? I ask this because you make mention of 'costumed staff', and I am aware of some locations that frown upon visitors wearing clothing that could 'confuse the visitors'.
It would be rather ironic if visitors to a victorian village dressed in victorian attire were frowned upon. In fact I can imagine that any visitors dressed so would be welcomed as adding to the authenticity and atmostphere. Out of interest, where are these places you mention? |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: May 14, 2010, 03:56:31 pm by Sir Ninian Marsh »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Captain Shipton Bellinger
|
|
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2010, 08:57:19 am » |
|
It would be rather ironic if visitors to a victorian village dressed in victorian attire were frowned upon.
In fact I can imagine that any visitors dressed so would be welcomed as adding to the authenticity and atmostphere. Well, to be fair, how many steampunks dress in completely authentic Victorian attire? I have so far met very few who do not have, at the very least, 'anachronistic embellishments'. Did Victorian ladies really wear their corsets on the outside? Did Victorian gentlemen really wear brass goggles on their top hats? Personally, I would find it difficult to explain away my New Rock boots. To a large extent I can sympathise with some establishments being wary of costumed visitors; they are outside of the site's control in how they interact with other members of the public and can very much constitute a 'loose cannon on the deck'. Not only can they bring apparent disrepute to the site with their behaviour, but can—more insidiously—spout utter drivel and have it accepted as historical fact by visitors who assume that they are either employed/sanctioned by the site, or must know what they're talking about because they're 'dressed for the part'. Not that I'm suggesting that Brass Gogglers would ever behave badly or spout historical nonsense you understand.  Out of interest, where are these places you mention? In the interests of diplomacy (and not widdling in one's own kippers, so to speak), I think I'll refrain from answering that. Suffice to say that they are generally places that genuinely attempt to educate their visitors, rather than just entertain them. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Dr cornelius quack
Rogue Ætherlord
 United Kingdom
Arrant Carney. Phmebian Cultural Attache.
|
|
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2010, 10:27:45 am » |
|
Steampunks being willfully and mischievously misleading? Surely not!! Perhaps some flunky should be engaged to precede parties of steamily dressed visitors carrying a red flag to warn other museum users and to ensure that 'poetic licences' are not exceeded. When I build my museum, one of the exhibits will be a reconstruction of the premises of 'Maxim, Tesla and Whitworth'. Raygunsmiths. I feel a new thread coming on.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Such are the feeble bases on which many a public character rests.
Construction of illegal outdoor Privvys on common land a speciality. Our customers always come back.
|
|
|
|
The Governess
|
|
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2010, 08:29:00 pm » |
|
as an ex-pat Staffordshirian, I feel obliged to point out that Blist Hills is in Shrops, not Staffs!
That aside, I'm sure this will be a great day out. Blist Hills (along with the other Ironbridge sites) is always lovely. there is also a YHA just outside the site, by the Tar Tunnel and China Museum, if anyone is looking for cheap accommodation. Sadly, I have no transport that weekend, and public transport links aren't that great, so I won't be able to make it.
Have a good time, all!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Siddons, the Incompable
|
|
« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2010, 10:55:15 pm » |
|
I'm going to be stuck in Ironbridge 24-28 May, whilst my s.o. is at a course at the greenwood centre, is there going to be anything on during the week, or is it all at the weekend?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"We're going to die!!!!!"
"Be positive!"
"We're going to die QUICKLY!!!!!"
|
|
|
|
The Governess
|
|
« Reply #8 on: May 15, 2010, 11:08:11 pm » |
|
It's always open during the week, although special events take place at the weekends, generally. It's a little pricey to get in initially, but the pass gives you access to all of the museums for a 12 month period. And they're quite nice museums! Here's some photos from last year and this, if anyone would like a sneak preview (both days were not event days) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=17882&id=1623995724&l=bd45d2622e(should be a public link so you don't need a facebook account to access) |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: May 16, 2010, 06:23:00 pm by The Governess »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Trinitytrashuk
|
|
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2010, 10:17:36 am » |
|
I seem to have opened a can of worms with this one.
So far I have 6 members of our party confirmed and will be baking lots of lovely goodies for a scrummy picnic should anybody else wish to join.
As to the dress code, I will be wearing Victoriana and also the little sticky badge telling people I am not from the visitor attraction and will put people in direction of the very well trained staff of Blists Hill.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Capt. Dirigible
|
|
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2010, 10:52:45 am » |
|
I concur that some historic sites that have costumed 'guides/staff' don't like the public to turn up in costume. The staff at Hampton Court got very uppity when the London Vampyre Group turned up in full costunme for a day out. Even though the vamps were clearly dressed in a completely different time period to the staff, (the vamps were gothic in mainly Victorian style..the staff were all in Tudor clothing). Apparently it confuses tourists!  the little sticky badge telling people I am not from the visitor attraction and will put people in direction of the very well trained staff of Blists Hill. If anyone should wear a badge for the benefit of other guests it should be the staff, surely? |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: May 17, 2010, 10:55:02 am by Capt. Dirigible »
|
Logged
|
I say, Joe it's jolly frightening out here.
Nonsense dear boy, you should be more like me.
But look at you! You're shaking all over!
Shaking? You silly goose! I'm just doing the Watusi
|
|
|
|
Sir A Poiselamppe
|
|
« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2010, 11:47:09 am » |
|
I may be passing by on that day, on the way back from Snowdon.... I may be able to drop in..... if nobody else objects....
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Sir Ninian Marsh
|
|
« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2010, 11:55:16 am » |
|
Unless there's proper signage delcaring visitors in period costume are not welcome then I'm really not going to worry about it.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Trinitytrashuk
|
|
« Reply #13 on: May 17, 2010, 12:45:59 pm » |
|
if nobody else objects.... Absolutely not, the more the merrier... I shall pack more pie and pickles! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Bethune
|
|
« Reply #14 on: May 17, 2010, 01:00:34 pm » |
|
I concur that some historic sites that have costumed 'guides/staff' don't like the public to turn up in costume....Apparently it confuses tourists! Which does beg the question --- what mischievous shenanigans could costumed visitors get up to that they are worried about? Might a group of innocent visitors be led to their demise by a suitably villainous impersonator? Is this a common problem? Just how many poor visitors go missing every year as a result of tour-guide imitating!? Diabolical! Muuuu-hahaha! |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: May 17, 2010, 01:02:10 pm by Bethune »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Trinitytrashuk
|
|
« Reply #15 on: May 17, 2010, 01:29:21 pm » |
|
Now what a great idea! I think that over the years we have perfected the outreach programme and all I know are a thoroughly nice bunch who not only know their stuff but are always polite and helpfull to all! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
lady joanna
|
|
« Reply #16 on: May 25, 2010, 05:09:31 pm » |
|
We're heading to Blists Hill in the third week of June. Went when I was about 10 and I think that started my re-enactment-costume-dressing up-bug. Can't wait to revisit as his lordship has never been.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs Van Horne
|
|
« Reply #17 on: May 25, 2010, 05:22:26 pm » |
|
hmm... we may be able to make this! will check with his lordship when he returns home later and get back to you... I do hope we can, I look forward to bringing more baked goods! (any excuse to fire up the ol' oven!)
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs Van Horne
|
|
« Reply #18 on: May 25, 2010, 09:57:33 pm » |
|
ah, alas it seems we are not free on Sunday after all  have a good time all! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Esme Moore
|
|
« Reply #19 on: May 26, 2010, 08:01:13 pm » |
|
I'd very much like to go to this, but am not sure if I'll be able to - hope to work out teh practicalities tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Trinitytrashuk
|
|
« Reply #20 on: May 27, 2010, 09:41:05 am » |
|
Sorry many cannot make this, but I hope there will be a few of us to raise a glass to her Majesty this weekend.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Esme Moore
|
|
« Reply #21 on: May 27, 2010, 07:14:48 pm » |
|
Well, British Rail claims it can get me to and from Telford on Sunday, for a non-extortionate fare, so - when and where do we meet up?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
The Governess
|
|
« Reply #22 on: May 27, 2010, 08:34:09 pm » |
|
Esme, it.s a ways out of Telford centre, it'd be worth checking for buses...
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Esme Moore
|
|
« Reply #23 on: May 28, 2010, 06:19:37 am » |
|
Ah, the map I saw looked like there was a station not far from Blists Hill - proably a printing error. Thank you, Governess, will check for buses... .. (some hours later) - and the relevant website is very unforthcoming about Sunday services. That, I am afraid, counts me out, then! |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: May 28, 2010, 06:12:49 pm by Esme Moore »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Trinitytrashuk
|
|
« Reply #24 on: June 02, 2010, 10:52:16 am » |
|
We had a lovely day and have to say that without a shadow of a doubt that with the exception of the military group, who were an addition for the weekend celebrations, my colleagues and friends in the Steampunk community have a keener eye for historical accuracy in their atire than most of the people working at Blists Hill.
I would very much like to suggest planning another meet later in the year where people can come along without the fear of being frowned at for their dress, if only for the sing-along in the pub with a pint of Mild and eating chips from newspaper while swinging your feet above the river... bliss!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
