Alan and Joy say: "We have been re-enacting since 2003, as the direct result of a 1940s event at Boscobel House. We decided on the Royal Navy partly because we found it to be the easiest uniform to re-create. First attempts were not good, but with research we began to get it right. When attending events it soon became very obvious that the Royal Navy was not well represented and the Royal Marines not at all. So we felt that we should in our own small way do our best to represent the men and women who served with the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and WRNS.

"Research also showed that members of the WRNS served in a supporting role to the Royal Marines and Joy pays tribute to both services when she dresses as a Maren. The cap badge she wears was worn by Alan’s uncle and it is a great conversation starter when she is approached by someone saying, 'I didn’t know the Wrens were in the Marines'.

"Alan portrays a Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Marines, a rank that acknowledges his great age and it also saves having to shave the moustache!"

Joy in her tropical uniform, talking to a veteran

Proudest moment as re-enactors: "There have been several especially from veterans who have complimented us on our uniforms. For the past two years we have visited Pickering and on both occasions Alan was invited to lead the Royal Navy on the big parade through the town - now that is proud."

Funny/unfunny moments: "The best funny moment was at Crich when we struck up a conversation with a young girl who asked Alan if he had fought in the war! As for unfunny moments it is the occasional meeting with the so-called 'expert' re-enactor who criticizes uniform."

Our Interests: "Boscobel House is the location chosen by King Charles II to hide in an oak tree which the King dubbed 'Royal' and subsequently gave its name to hundreds of pubs called the Royal Oak and seven ships of the Royal Navy. A research project for Boscobel House on the history of HMS Royal Oak has led to a great interest in the last ship so named which was sunk by enemy action in 1939 and material is available for events.

"We also have material on the amazing work done by Wrens and the brave men of Staffordshire who won the Victoria Cross and George Cross."

Photo: Alan leading the parade at Pickering, 2007