Retro days out
Fancy something different from the theme park? Here are a few suggestions for some great retro days out.
Classic car shows
The classic car show is an ideal way to appreciate transport from the past. Historic cars from the early years of the twentieth century to the 1980s are often on display. They are usually joined by steam engines, buses, fire engines and some quirky vehicles made recently, such as a car powered by steam.
You can see how motor transport has evolved through the years. If you are interested in buying a classic or vintage car, classic car shows are a good place to start. A classic car show is also fascinating for children. They can see the the cars that their grandparents bought new. It is a great day out for anyone interested in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Retrowow reports: Churchill Classic Car Show
See also www.classicshowsuk.co.uk which lists classic car shows throughout the country.
70s Exhibition - Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock
Visit the 70s Exhibition at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock. The exhibition is subtitled 'the decade that taste forgot?'. It offers a colourful insight into life in the seventies. There are room settings for a suburban kitchen, a living room and a teenage girl's bedroom. There is also a display of seventies' fashions, including some painful looking platform soles.
If you remember the Wombles, the Osmonds, Aqua Manda and the days when it was status symbol to have a colour TV, then this exhibition is for you. This exhibition is also very good for introducing the seventies to those who do not remember. There is even a chance for children to dress up in seventies' clothes.
The exhibition runs from 12 July to 12 October 2008 at the Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm. The exhibition is closed on Mondays, but open on Bank Holiday Monday 2pm to 5pm. Phone 01993 811456 for more details. See also www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/museums.
Transport museums
As well as seeing cars at classic car shows, another way to appreciate classic cars is to go to a museum. There are a number of fantastic transport museums featuring cars, buses and boats throughout the country.
See Transport museums.
Spalding Tulip Parade
The Spalding Tulip parade is a tradition which began nearly 50 years ago in 1959. The Spalding Tulip Parade was originally started as a way of making use of the tulip flowers from plants grown to harvest the bulbs. As an annual event, it attracts visitors from all over the country. In the 60s, it was a popular event with people from the Midlands and further a field, as well as from the Spalding area.
Spalding Tulip Parade is usually held on the first Saturday in May (and the festivities continue over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend).