Fast Cars and Barbara Cartland

As I wrote about Brooklands 1940s Relived last year, I'll let you have a look here for an overview of the main event. 

 

However, this year brought with it a few additions that are worth mentioning, such as the 1940s cinema (showing a few Vintage News newsreels no less!), entertainment running well into the evening and lots more stalls selling lovely vintage bits and bobs.  Much of the action took place under a marquee, and considering the way the clouds were looming it was just as well.  There was much dancing to be had but I chose not to partake as my hat was held on by pure will power!

 

  I wore my 1940s The Hager Store suit which I just adore.  A tailor on Savile Row once asked who had made it for me and was astounded when I told him I'd bought it as it was - without any alterations - high praise indeed I think.  Both pairs of my suitable black shoes were at the cobblers so I had to make do with my ox-blood oxfords, well at least they matched the suit.  All my other accessories were black though, my 'scroll' Janyne hat, kid leather gauntlet gloves and my trusty Charles of the Ritz vanity case.



On the 1907 track, taken by my vintage accomplice, Hayley

©Hanson Leatherby

While we were at the museum, I decided to have a bit more of a look around and I ended up in the Barbara Cartland room.  It was designed as a place for the lady racing drivers to relax and socialise and was set up around the same time that Barbara Cartland organised the first all female race.  There are lots of fantastic photos of said women and of course the room is bright pink!  I also went to look at the Sultan of Oman's private jet (which had been built at Brooklands in the '60s).  The interior was a picture of 1970s opulence, everything carpeted (including the tv!), two double beds and spinning chairs.

The ladies reading room or The Barbara Cartland room

As I was there with The Vintage News, I had a few interviews to do.  I spoke to a chap from 'The Law at War' (police reenactors) and also the best dressed couple, John and Julie.  However, my favourite interview by far has to be the chat I had with Hanson and Jeni.  Jeni and I were convulsed with hysetrics for much of the interview - mainly due to some dramatic breathing (yes dramatic breathing) from Hanson.  All semblance of professionalism thrown aside, I managed to gasp out a couple of questions which gave Hanson opportunity to talk of the 'nice spread' and his love of trinkets.


Professionalism personified

Hanson was also on hand taking photos
for the Chap, I just love this one

Again, we had a lovely day - especially with the added extra of sitting around on the balcony for a couple of hours drinking Cava.  The event was much improved from last year and I imagine next year will again be even better.

 

 

 

 

If you can't wait until next May to take a trip to Brooklands Museum, they have lots of events going on including a 1960s event at the end of June and a Hot Rod & Kustom day in August.

Eating invisible pocorn and drinking Cosmos on the bonnet of a car...

We thought it was about time we got some professional shots of us at the Vintage News, and we could think of no-one better than our good friend Hanson Leatherby (assisted by his girlfriend, the lovely Jeni) to take them. 

Our first stop was the amazing Worthing Dome cinema. It is the most splendid and sumptuous cinema I have ever been to.  The luscious, plush crimson seats, the gold balconies and mirror adorned walls really make you feel as though you have stepped back in time to when the studio system ruled the silver screen.  Add to that the fact that I had accidentally dressed as an usherette (albeit with a slightly more ostentatious hat) and you had the complete effect.  We had a lovely spot of lunch in the adjoining vintage tearooms before heading to our second location.

I was quite nervous when the photos were being taken at the cinema, but by the time we had found the perfect country lane for the second half of the shoot, I was more relaxed (the Cosmopolitan cocktail I had for a ‘prop’ may have helped).  Jeni and I had wisely sat in their car while the boys were outside in the cold setting up the shot.  The original plan of me changing a tyre (!) was quickly put aside and I chose instead to sit on the bonnet of our trusty car Betsy (I couldn’t very well do anything effortful like standing).

I’m so pleased with how the photos came out, especially the one above - I think Hanson is right, it looks like an Edward Hopper scene.

Thank you so much to Hanson and Jeni and the lovely people of the Worthing Dome for opening up the cinema early for us.

 ©Hanson Leatherby

I’d love to hear what you think of the pictures, feel free to leave a comment.

Look at the acting!