Bodmin steam at War
This is an unofficial report on the Bodmin and Wenford, Steaming thru the 40's event held on Sat 3rd to Mon 5th May.
The weather forecasts threatened this event all week with rain and it didn't look good right up to Friday 2nd. I understand that this
affected many other events in Cornwall as many were put off. However the weekend weather was very good with some drizzle on Saturday night and 1 heavy shower on Sunday lunchtime, but that was it.
We arrived on the Friday at 1800 after a warm drive/ride up from Godolphin. Camp was quickly set up, with many others already camped. Participants were either at the DCLI Museum (green tents) or at the TA Center (pink tents).
Woken by the sound of steam and whistles on the Saturday we headed down to a programme in full swing from 1000. A Battle Group safety brief was held at 1100 and the rail shed was full of participants (40) eager to hear the words of wisdom from the railway and Nick O. That was an impressive start to the weekend in itself and I thought
that this was FAR too many for a "Battle for Bodmin", more like a War! Meanwhile non-battlers were filling the platform and wooing the punters. Every departure and arrival of the train had the platform full of people, it was quite a sight, throughout the weekend. The railway had to add carriages and on Sunday and Monday there were 5 carriages to cope with numbers!
On the platform a stage was manned throughout all 3 days by Dickie Lines, Dolly Bag, Lucy Lastic, Winston Churchill and Alan (and his accordian). This had a very beneficial effect on the public as Dickie kept commentaries going on the events of the day and, new this year, a commentary on the Battle for Bodmin too. Winston kept booking VIP transport for Bodmin Gaol where we always hold out for a free drink in exchange for a speech from Mr. Churchill. Bill Bock had a shaky start with his truck unable to make it and the Champ playing up (apparently), however, Bill was there at virtually every vehicle
movement with the Champ, bugling, parade, inspection and taking the stage for the grand draw. Bill appeared to be enjoying it almost as much as we did. The battles themselves, I thought, had very good, slow starts, building up to a crescendo. Occasionally the 3" mortar shells didn't co-ordinate with the explosion at the other end, but I don't think anyone noticed except Les who wanted it perfect (as usual). Needles to say, the Germans misbehaved and started fighting before they were supposed to!
The Saturday fish & chips and band were excellent, with the warmest weather I recall on the platform for that time of evening. I came across 1 man and his family from London who happened across this event on the Saturday and he thought it was the best event he'd ever been to in his life....! Now that it praise indeed. We had a job
kicking him off the platform with his family at bedtime.
Sunday was a little cloudier. There was a fine Parade and Memorial Service at 1100. The inspection was conducted by Mr. Churchill, with Field Marshall Montgomery in attendance. A VIP booking at 1330 for Bodmin Gaol saw 2 motorcycles and 6
vehicles leave the station. However, 1 jeep went missing, to arrive 20 minutes late. The Gaol was full and we were moved swiftly into the VIP suite for refreshment.
The Sunday night saw the dance and swing band from 1900. I overheard one band member saying how they play in various places throughout the year, but that this dance was the best event they play, because of the atmosphere.
Monday saw a repeat of the various events and many people attending again. The day was dry and those leaving that evening were able to take home dry tents, ready for the next camping event which is eerrrrrrrr......................... in mid June I think. Oh well,
that's a month and half to grease up the steering etc....!
Overall, we had a great time. This event has something for everyone, old and young and from dawn till night (and beyond in Gavin's tent or the German camp). The number of participants was the highest ever at over 200. The railway took the same record numbers of people as last year. This event now draws people from far and wide with 1 couple
(punters, not participants) from Leicester attending this annually. Despite this, 1 convoy into town with Winston Churchill and a morale boosting visit to Sainsbury's revealed that no-one in Bodmin appeared to know anything about it! Oh well who cares, we'd have a great time if no-one turned up.
It would be nice to think that an event like this just arranges itself, but sadly it takes a lot of work and John and Geraldine have to be commended for the effort they put in and the spectacular result that they get.
