This weekend the fabulous North East attraction that is Beamish Open Air Museum held the Empire & Flag weekend where emergency services provide displays for everyone to see just what is involved in their very worthwhile jobs!
Empire Day was first celebrated in 1902, following the end of the Boer War. Traditionally held on 24th May on the birthday of Queen Victoria – it was intended to encourage people, especially children, to be aware of their duties as citizens of the British Empire.
We were fortunate enough to be at the field when the Police helicopter came in to land, those propellers certainly pack a punch and almost blew us off our feet! What a fabulous opportunity though to see a helicopter land right in front of us and the kids loved it!
Among all of the events taking place you can grab the chance to meet the stars of Channel 5 popular tv programme Police Interceptors – this was the main attraction for Scott but there were children surrounding both the cars and police dogs so much so that we couldn’t get anywhere near!
We got to spend some time with the crew from the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service who were at the event with their lifesaving equipment including one of their fire engines. The noise from the sirens and horns scared the life out of Amelia – we happened to walk in front of a fire engine while they were showing a kid how to use the siren, bad move!
The County Durham School Nurse Team was also available to chat about children’s health on “The Growing Healthy Bus”, it was great to see how the role of the public health school nurse has changed over the last century. Evie was adamant that she couldn’t be a nurse thanks to the blood etc but I think Amelia would make a great little doctor!
The girls were more interested in the standard Beamish fare though – the horses, tram and actors dressed and wandering the village etc and this time we actually hit it lucky and managed to grab a tram ride.
In the past there have been queues a mile long so we have always just walked around, I think because everyone was watching the displays etc today we were fortunate enough to get straight on first time.
We always love wandering around the pit village, colliery and town and I adore all of the old signs! How often do you come across fabulous signs like these in everyday life…
A lot of the town in uphill so its very tiring for little legs (I should know as I’m not much taller!) 😉
Overall we have had a fabulous day and as always highly recommend Beamish to anyone visiting the North East region. Check here for all upcoming events.
XOXO
Debbie
