Gunpowder Mills Archives – Mummascribbles

We all know that there has been an unexpected outcome in the election today and the news, Facebook, Twitter and every other social media channel has been overtaken with various opinions, shell-shock and a heck of a lot of negativity around the country. Unfortunately, this news has come on a hideously important day that is now being overshadowed by a bunch of morons (because truly, no matter who you support and whether they won or not, there is no denying that they are al just a bunch of twerps acting like school children).

Today is VE Day, marking 70 years since the end of the second world war in Europe. There is no doubt that the majority of you reading this would have had grandparents or even parents who fought or were evacuated in the war. The war began in 1939 and lasted until 1945 and involved more than 100 million people from over 30 countries. There were an estimated 50 to 85 million fatalities from a variety of means including bombings, nuclear weapons and of course the Holocaust. There are a lot of things taking place in the coming days in commemoration of this day and we were fortunate at the weekend to have one taking place in our area.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills were in operation for 300 years and yep, you guessed it, is where gunpowder was made. It closed it’s doors in gunpowder making in July 1945 however it still remains there now, with some of the original building in tact. It is an extraordinary space, full of important history and sadly, is in threat of closing it’s doors for good. It is run mostly by volunteers and for some reason just doesn’t get the crowds that it should. That was until this weekend. If every weekend could be like the one just gone, it would be a triumphant success.

We went along on Bank Holiday Monday to experience a little bit of history. The VE celebrations were in full swing all weekend and everything was set up as if it was the 1940’s.

There was a 1940’s band with 1940’s dancing.

There were 1940’s stalls displaying and selling old wartime badges, medals and war equipment.

There were wartime trucks with soldiers at the wheel. On the usual truck ride that you can always get from one side to the other (it’s a big place) – there was a man at the back guarding the ‘prisoners’ with a gun!

  

  

There were soldiers with guns everywhere. Soldiers hiding in camouflage, being spotted and having a to do!

One of the coolest parts of the afternoon was a spitfire show. Yep, said spitfire was doing loop the loops, flying low, whizzing around. It was a fantastic display and my aeroplane fan of a son loved it!

And then, there was a re-enactment of Operation Varsity when British and American troops fought side by side for the first and only time. This…this was amazing. There were hundreds of re-enactors taking part. It was set withint the forest section of the Mills, there was gun fighting, simulated grenades (they had loud bangs!), pretend fisty cuffs, just an all out war in front of our eyes. And it isn’t until you see something like that, that enables you to imagine a little of how terrifying it must have been in World War 2.

Here’s a little video clip of the re-enactment.

The day was fantastic and we have since found out that there were almost 2000 people there on the day we were. We have never seen it so busy, have never had to queue to get into the car park and it was just wonderful. Of course, Zach had a fab time and his confident little self wasn’t scared of a bunch of men with guns!

  

  

I so hope that this place doesn’t end up closing down. It would be a travesty if this important part of history disappeared. And they even have a miniature railway that Zach adores!! 

 

If you are interested in joining in with any of the VE day celebrations this weekend, I found this website which has lots of information. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/victory-in-europe-ve-day-celebrations

Let us remember and focus this time on the millions and millions of people who lost their lives. Not on which colour party is running the country.