Goodwood Revival meeting...

[FWDRacer]

Ok - so it is a long way out, but who's going?

Really fancy getting into the spirit of the event - has anybody any recommendations or pointers on getting period gear. Sharp and sexy for the laydeeeez looks pretty straightforward (thinking Dita and then turn the dial down a few notches), but I think I'd make a pretty duff teddy boy or fighter pilot. What other options for the blokes. Spives? Other forces regalia?

Any excuse for "Dressing" up...

Anybody moves this from the lounge and I'll

[flatfour1]

If you decide to go down the military uniform route don't go for a high ranking officers outfit ( everyone and his brother does the high rank bit) you would be much more individual if you dress as rank and file. Spiv is a good choice as well make sure you bring some nylons and chocolate.

[JRM]

Too late, the filing police have been out again.

Is PH actually run by a team of PA's and they just love filing sooo much

[john2443]

This is (almost!) a repost, previous thread here.

I've always thought it a bit doubtful wearing military uniform as racing didn't start til '48; I suppose a few people would have still been in uniform, but I would think they would be when off duty, and certainly not by '66 when racing finished!?

I appreciate that it was an RAF base during the war, but not between 48 and 66.

[Droptheclutch]

john2443 said:

This is (almost!) a repost, previous thread here.

I've always thought it a bit doubtful wearing military uniform as racing didn't start til '48; I suppose a few people would have still been in uniform, but I would think they would be when off duty, and certainly not by '66 when racing finished!?

I appreciate that it was an RAF base during the war, but not between 48 and 66.

Indeed it is. I still say what I posted there, too.

If you are not too far away - The Haslemere Wardrobe.

Excellent range of period cloth to make you fit right in, or stand right out!

[Tempest_5]

John2443 it is more than appropriate that people wear WWII era uniforms at the revival, especially RAF, as the circuit is the old airfield perimeter track. Several pilots used to race their cars around it in the war when off duty including Squadron Leader Tony Gaze.
It was Tony who suggested to Freddie Richmond (Lord March's Grandfather & circuit founder) that he should use it as a racing circuit when Freddie mentioned that he was looking for a replacement for Brooklands. Freddie was president of the Junior Car Club (JCC) at the time. So if it hadn't been for the RAF there would not have been a racing circuit.

[Mini1275]

I'm going! looking forward to the mini only race!

[HiRich]

Tempest_5 said:

John2443 it is more than appropriate that people wear WWII era uniforms at the revival, especially RAF, as the circuit is the old airfield perimeter track. Several pilots used to race their cars around it in the war when off duty including Squadron Leader Tony Gaze.
It was Tony who suggested to Freddie Richmond (Lord March's Grandfather & circuit founder) that he should use it as a racing circuit when Freddie mentioned that he was looking for a replacement for Brooklands. Freddie was president of the Junior Car Club (JCC) at the time. So if it hadn't been for the RAF there would not have been a racing circuit.

Pedantically, military were not supposed to wear uniform at public events (like a race meeting), and I can't recall ever seeing a photo of such from quite a large collection. Of course, the Revival is about spirit, not accuracy.

Legend has it that during the War Tony Gaze and Flt Lt Dickie Stoop made regular inspections of the perimeter road of Westhampnett airfield, though quite what they hoping to spot at that speed is anyone's guess...

[RichB]

john2443 said:

I've always thought it a bit doubtful wearing military uniform <etc> I appreciate that it was an RAF base during the war, but not between 48 and 66.

The point is that dressing up is all about entering into the spirit of the event not creating technical accuracy like a film set. That would, in any case, be impossible unless the organisers selected one particular year and said this year we are recreating 1952... with all the cars and dress etc. It just can't happen which is why you get everything from girls in mid-1960's Mary Quant style mini-skirts to chaps in 50's tweed jackets and cloth caps. The good thing is that you can choose a style to suit yourself. Personally I go for the tweed jacket & cap on Saturday, blazer & grey flannel trousers with trilby or panama on Sunday and yes, occasionally my RAF uniform on the Friday, if I was in a bit of rush as I packed-up to drive down I grew up the Beatles era but I couldn't do a mop-head impersonation now and think the tweed look is a bit more appropriate for my age (and size)! That said you do get some people who appear to have dug out their original teddy boy gear and still it fits, they must be 65 by now! Having said that, anything has to be better than people in Elvis impersonation outfits or those who simply don't bother and wear the ubiquitous Ferrari branded anoraks, I even saw a father and son two years ago in jeans and Arsenal shirts, and no they weren't 1950's replicas, sad isn't it...

ETA there is also now the classic aircraft display which has included a Spitfire and Hurricane and of course there is the wonderful display of war-birds and the BoB fly-past, which of course wouldn't have happened in period, so I would argue an RAF flying officers uniform is entirely appropriate.

Edited by RichB on Friday 15th May 14:35