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 Rank: Pro Groups: Joined: 24/08/2009 Posts: 48,827 Points: -13,348
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Peasholm Park is a haven of tranquillity at the North Bay Scarborogh – unless the battle ships are taking pot shots at one another!
At times during the summer season, war breaks out on the Lake when 20ft replica boats recreate the tensions of a battle at sea.
For more than 80 years the “Battle of Peasholm” has been played out for 30 minutes three times every week during the summer season, delighting audiences who still find it hard to believe that these boats are mostly manpowered. Until 1929, all the boats were manpowered, but then electricity was introduced and now only the larger boats need to be steered by Council employees.
In the early days, the models were First World War battleships, called Dreadnaughts, mystery ships called Q-ships, a passenger liner called Orantes and a U-boat.
After the Second World War, the fleet was replaced with new vessels – this time the battle that was recreated was the Battle of the River Plate.
The British boats were HMS Ajax, Achilles and Exeter. The German battleship was the Graf Von Spee; the Royal Mail liner Asturias and a submarine completed the new fleet.
Around 1960, aircraft were introduced, altering the play of the ships but adding to the excitement for audiences who could not seem to get enough of the Battles!
Also in the 1960s more ships were added to the fleet – HMS Jervis Bay, British Pride and even the Ark Royal.
Although some of the smaller boats are radio-controlled and electricity to power the aircraft, most of the boats on the pond, even today, are controlled by Scarborough Borough Council employees sat within the boats!
Today the Battles still take place but now there is far less emphasis on recreating either World War; just on unnamed “friends” and an equally unnamed “enemy”. Gunfire and smoke continue to fill the air, however, and the aircraft drop bombs from above.
The shows usually begin around the last weekend of May and continue until September.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jyi1_79WzE
http://www.discoveryorks...ide-event/naval-warfare
Tomick attached the following image(s):
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 Rank: Super-Elite        Groups: Registered
Joined: 31/05/2010 Posts: 5,679 Points: 17,011 Location: Wiltshire
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Over 40 years ago was the last time i saw this. Our family holidays were nearly always in scarborough. Good old days indeed. Happy Modelling
BUILDING: Hachette Spitfire Mk 1A, Constructo Mayflower
SUBSCRIPTION COMPLETE (Awaiting building): USS Constitution, Sovereign of the Seas, 1:200 Bismarck (Hachette)
COMPLETED: Porsche 911, E-Type Jaguar, Lam Countach
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We went there a few years ago and the kids loved it. The ships are very impressive. Rgd Martyn Building ?
Completed. Soliei Royal . Sovereign of the Seas . Virginia . Scotland . San Felipe . Corel vasa , Santisima Trinadad X section , Vasa
Next Build ?
When sailors have good wine, They think themselves in heaven for the time. John Baltharpe
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Rank: Pro Groups: Joined: 24/08/2009 Posts: 48,827 Points: -13,348
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Tomick attached the following image(s):
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Rank: Super-Elite Groups: Registered
Joined: 31/05/2010 Posts: 5,679 Points: 17,011 Location: Wiltshire
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Those pictures bring back some good (and sad memories). Still to this day i remember so well we were on our way to the park and if memory serves you walked along a tree lined avenue. Along the way there was a small newsagents shop that we would get an ice cream from. It was that newsagent that had a newspaper board outside reporting the Dads Army actor James Beck had died. I would have been 10 then (1973) but its as vivid in my memory as if it was yesterday. Was just trying to remember if it was this park that had a "pirates island". Seen to remember you went on a pieate ship and the island was sand covered Nd you had to dig for hidden treasure (think they were plastic coins). Amazing how the years pass by so quickly. Happy Modelling
BUILDING: Hachette Spitfire Mk 1A, Constructo Mayflower
SUBSCRIPTION COMPLETE (Awaiting building): USS Constitution, Sovereign of the Seas, 1:200 Bismarck (Hachette)
COMPLETED: Porsche 911, E-Type Jaguar, Lam Countach
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