We had originally planned to camp at Ushaw, using a modern tent with a camo net, as we've done at Tanfield. It's much easier than setting up all the canvas. However, the organisers, despite no contact since the initial on-line booking, finally answered a Facebook message and said no modern camping and that "tents must be in keeping with the 1940s aesthetics". This was highly frustrating, as when we arrived on Saturday, there was a modern Land Rover and two big white vans which remained in some displays all weekend. Hardly in keeping with 1940s aesthetics.
We still took two vehicles, but drove there and back each day, doubling our fuel costs. When we arrived, most of the other vehicles had parked in a row, like a car park. I don't like this at all, so parked the Dodge at an angle with the Jeep behind.
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After setting up the display and having a morning coffee break, I took a wander around the various displays. We were parked on the sports field, with the various dioramas set up around the edge.
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Not in the centre of the sports field, but closer to Ushaw House, the vehicles were parked up. A few Jeeps and a bike and side car were parked in some of the dioramas.
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On Sunday, I set the vehicles up further along the field and once more, not in a straight line. Paul, who was parked next to us on Saturday, parked his Jeep inside our display for Sunday, giving a little more freedom to wander, while reducing the chance of the public climbing onto the Jeep.
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Late on Sunday, several of us had a go on Paul's parabike. It's not an easy thing to ride, with the geometry poor, pedals too close to the front wheel, limiting the ability to steer and the gear ratio too high.
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We ended the day playing cards, before packing everything away and heading home around 4pm. This event has the space to take all three of our vehicles, so that's a consideration for future events.
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