If you walked into the Somerset Wagon in Chilcompton and saw a group of people dressed in 19th century attire, then you might be forgiven for thinking that you have just walked through some strange science fiction time warp, but the chances are that you have encountered a gathering of the Mendip Steampunk group.
Steampunk is a celebration of the Victorian. It’s about dressing up in and creating unusual clothes. It’s the industrial revolution and steam power all over again. It’s goggles and gadgets and inventions. It’s a little bit H.G. Wells and just a tad Jules Verne. It’s neoVictorian science fiction. Clear?
Teresa Arlett, a Steampunk enthusiast who lives in Chilcompton, says: “If you’re looking for something different, eccentric, creative, fun and all embracing, look no further!”
She describes the SteaMendip group as a friendly, well dressed and well mannered bunch. They meet at various venues across the Mendips, including the Wagon and various tearooms.
But they also get together with others, such as the Frome Steampunk Society, for larger events where they enjoy bands, burlesque, tea-duelling and talks on Victorian surgery. The Frome Steampunk Extravaganza, Steamy Spookfest (Halloween) and The Wanstrow Gathering are all local, but some even make it to The Asylum in Lincoln and further.
Teresa says: “Costumes, ranging from Victorian to Cyberpunk, can easily be made from charity shop finds, so it’s affordable and you only need to become as Steampunk as you wish. Help with anything from designing and making splendid inventions, to hats and bustles etc. is always forthcoming.
“Dressing in costume is not compulsory. Not only is it great fun to join in, it’s also ideal for photographers, crafters, time travellers and inventors.
“I’ve been a Steampunk for a few years now and even though I’m in my sixties and far from fit, I enjoy dressing up and joining in, folk are so friendly, well mannered and good humoured and slightly bonkers. My neighbours in Chilcompton are used to seeing me flouncing about in bustle and hat, with goggles of course!”
Her motto is, ‘don’t grow old, grow splendid’. That is somehow not surprising. For more information, go on: www.facebook.com/groups/steamendip
Malcolm Rigby