Townend House.

A National Trust property at Troutbeck Bridge. Click on the below logo for the link to the house.

Saturday 19th April 2008

It is 60 years since the  then government, gave Townend House to the National Trust. We were approached by a lady from the trust, to supply a 1940's look to the day, in the way of a few vehicles and people in period dress. The only wanted 2 vehicles, but in the end they got 5. Roops and Simons Dodge WC's,  and 3 jeeps from John, Boyan and Wills,  Tim and James, and mine. All turned out in all manner of uniforms, some warmer than others, and the day was fine, but bitterly cold and very windy. Thankfully the house still had its original kitchen range in, and was stoked up all day with a roaring fire, so at least we could warm up. The House is great, it has never been touched or modernized in any way, it is still as it was at the turn of the century, nothing has moved. With an entrance charge of 5p, equivalent 1947 price, the house was busy from start to finish.  We had some great photos taken by the press, so a link here when I find out where it is.

 So a big thank you to everybody who braved the cold winds of the Lake District to come and support this little event. We had a lot of interest of the public, some more '40s stories from people where were in the Liverpool Blitz and from a nice old gentleman who was a medic on D-Day+3.

Filling the small car park, on a very cold and windy morning

Only room for 2 vehicles in the main area,  so my jeep and a 1939 MG PD, (I think)...

There was a make your own 1940's toy table, and a great old puppet show.

John, Boyan and Wills swelling the ranks of the British amongst all the Americans there. OK, so it was 5 British to 3 Americans when my brother  was there.

John and Tim's Jeeps,  with Simon and Roop's Dodges. Everybody had loads of kit and stuff all on and around, made a good little display.

Smart as I could possibly get. The tunic is not all that warm, I was shivering most of the day while talking to the visitors. I should have put my thermals on.

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last updated - 20th April, 2008