|
| |
1940s Weekend
14th / 15th August 2004
| On Saturday 14th of August, 2004, Bristol City Council put
on a 1940s weekend in Bristol, and Elmgrove LeRoc, on the second leg of
the 2004 Tour, went along to help out for a whole day. Here are some photos from the fun we had
during the day and later on that evening.
A big thanks to all who came along to help out - it was a marathon of a
day, but well worth it. We're doing another one next year too!
|
 |
 |
It's early in the morning, and the Bristol Industrial Museum
has had a facelift, inside and out, the likes of which haven't been seen
before... |
 |
David spent two days decorating the Engine Shed to convert
it from the museum hangar into a full dance hall, decorated in the 1940s
style, bunting, posters, and all.
During the last day of setup HTV turned up and recorded David and Yo
(who works for the museum as well as teaching at Elmgrove) dancing, and it
was put on the evening news! |
 |
Inside, the team are getting ready for the barrage of free
classes throughout the day - they ran at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00,
15:00, 15:45 and 16:20. |
 |
Liz, taking a moment before the mayhem begins. |
 |
The classes themselves were all free, and anyone could join
in providing there was enough space. Everything was done to the
correct music for the time - Glen Miller, Louis Jordan, and others of a
similar ilk. |
 |
John and Liz, teaching in full 1940s uniform, to a crowd of
eager dancers. |
 |
The crowds got bigger and bigger, and people really got into
it, as this was excellent training ready for the evening's hangar dance. |
 |
David, taking a moment on a tank (as you do) to catch his
breath ready for the next class. |
 |
David and Claire, introducing the moves to be taught during
one of the beginner classes. |
 |
David and Yo, giving it some welly, to a crowd of willing
jivers. A big thanks here to all the Bristol dancers who came down
on the day to help out - partnering up with members of the public really
made a difference! |
 |
John and Liz, squaring up ready to begin the next
laugh-laden class. |
 |
The day was amazing, and while the classes were on inside,
there were tanks, ships, guns, and all manner of wartime machinery being
run around the place by some very dedicated enthusiasts. |
 |
In the break between the daytime classes and the evening
Hangar Dance, we all popped outside for a change of clothes, and a good
cool off - curiously, as soon as we loaded Liz, Yo and Claire up onto the
tank, loads of men came to photograph them! Odd that, though it has
to be said that seeing Yo sitting demurely on a gun turret like that could
have an odd effect on a man! |
 |
John, cheesy grin and all! |
 |
This is a team photo from the day, though we have to mention
John H for taking the photos, and Sue for feeding John G and making sure
he had plenty of rests during the day! |
 |
As the last of the day wore on, the exhibits were all in
place, and the setting was completed ready for the evening dance. |
 |
Some of these old vehicles looked amazing - probably better
condition than a lot of modern-day vehicles on the road, although I can't
say I'd fancy driving with no power steering or brakes! |
 |
Dance time at last, the engine shed has been converted, the
last class is about to begin... |
 |
And off it goes A packed night, there were lindy
hoppers, Leroccers, rock and roll dancers, a full swing band, the complete
works. I think for sheer scale and effort, I have never seen a dance
like it.
Though I should mention that the day was such a success that we're
doing another one next year! Keep your eyes peeled for details... |
 |
Thanks to Revolution
Pictures for taking the photos. |
All information on this page is Copyright Elmgrove LeRoc
For further information contact David on (0117) 9021079
|
