Steampunk Summer

(The whole year really but I like alliteration and autumn and winter don’t fit!)

It all started in March when Amanda asked if I would like to go to the Ball; the grand Newark Steampunk Jubilee Ball; to be held over the Jubilee Weekend. I, of course, said yes.

We met old friends and new at the Steampunk Market on the Friday

and enjoyed a picnic on the Saturday…..

…..where we watched the very competitive sport of Tea Duelling.

It was soon time to don our ballgowns and gorgeous hats.

Time for a quick call at the antique centre and tearoom for a glass of fizz and a photo opportunity or two

before joining the throng at the evenings festivities where a splendid time was had by all.

Wending our way home in the wee, small hours.

Our next outing was to Papplewick Pumping Station for their steampunk weekend.

Having fun round the pumping station

Time for tea…….

…….and gin…….

…….before the underground tour.

Towards the end of July we took our first trip to Whitby.

A wet and windy start on West Cliff.

Fish, chips and….. you’ve guessed it……gin,

followed by a breezy stroll along the pier,

and through the Lanes.

Time to tackle those 199 steps……….again!

Larking about in the Abbey

Enjoying the evening sun at the end of a fabulous day.

On a warm day in August we joined the Doncaster Steampunks for a very pleasant afternoon at their annual Punknic at Cusworth Hall

For many reasons a visit to Crich is nostalgic since we spent many a happy childhood hour there. Then a few years ago the September Crich Steampunk Weekend marked the beginning of our steampunk journey so we do like to return when we can.

Although the summer was officially over there were still many Steampunk events which continued through the autumn and into winter.

Not Steampunk but we took Harry and Joey for a day out to Papplewick 40’s weekend. they enjoyed wandering around the steam pumps and the underground reservoir. We ended the day with a “posh” picnic and a ride on the miniature train; a first for Amanda!

Thanks to their Steampunk Weekend in October I have; after living about an hour away for the last 27 years; finally been to Haworth.

We found an amazing little shop

where Amanda loved opening all the apothecary drawers

The obligatory visit to the Bronte House and museum.

It was a beautiful, clear, moonlit night as we strolled up the high street and back to the car.

The end of October and Halloween can only mean one thing: Whitby Goth Weekend; not strictly Steampunk but I do like to go back to my first love every now and then. Since they had enjoyed their last outing with us so much I even managed to persuade Harry and Joey to get dressed up and come along. As ever Whitby was wet and windy but we didn’t let it spoil our day.