"Northumbrian Revival", West Benridge Farm - June 6/7th The event at West Benridge Farm was a first at this location. The organiser had tried an event at another location, but there were a number of problems that resulted in the change. West Benridge Farm have been diversifying from just farming and regularly hold weddings, music events, festivals and provide a camp site. Because of these prior activities, they have a suitable barn for dancing, bands, weather sensitive displays and toilet facilities already in place. The main vehicle and re-enactor displays were located in the field next to the farm buildings, while a shortcut across a single track lane, led to the main camping field for those displaying, but with modern tents and also public parking and camping. They had also arranged with the local garden centre to use their car park as a park and ride location, with several vintage buses, ferrying the public to and from the event. It was a well planned and practical set up for everyone attending. We didn't have any idea what the event would be like and no clue on who else was attending. As it turned out, several friends who we usually camped with at the Beamish 1940s show. After the Beamish event stopped, we hadn't seen much of each other until this weekend, where we spent much of the weekend catching up.

At first, it was Chris with his Dodge and Neil and Julie with their newly restored Clark airborne bulldozer, making its first public appearance. Derek arrived in his Jeep on Saturday morning. Because we weren't green camping, I ended up parked at the other side of the field with other Jeeps visiting for the day.

There were a surprising number of vehicles in attendance, many of which I recognise from the North East Military Vehicle Club, who held a big show at the Durham Light Infantry Museum until it closed, around ten years ago. Being the first show at this site, I didn't know how well it would be supported, but there were a great selection of vehicles and dioramas.

On both Friday and Saturday evenings, there were several bands and singers to provide entertainment, in addition to some performers and dance teachers across each day. The evening events were also open to the public. There was a bar in the barn, plus food vendors, all at reasonable prices, so both the public and re-enactors were well provided for.

Neil's bulldozer grabbed quite a lot of attention, being very different to the types of vehicles usually seen in our area. It was great to see it complete and running, five years after it was rescued for restoration.

The forecast had threatened rain, particularly on Saturday, but other than a shower at 9am on Saturday, it stayed dry. There was a fresh breeze, but sitting around the wood burning stove, chatting for much of the weekend, the wind wasn't an issue for us. In fact, there were a lot of re-enactors and public who suddenly wanted to be our friends, once they realised how much heat the stove was putting out!

It turned out to be a great first show and the farm was very pleased with the support for the event, so the date has been marked for next year.

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