Monday, August 16, 2004

All the fun of the fair!


Traction engines
Originally uploaded by wastedpapiers.
In the morning we took Keith, Dini,Oliver and Millie to the boot sale at Verdin Park. It was a nice sunny day so plenty of cars and stalls full of junk to sort through. Keith found a waterproof wax jacket that might be useful on their trip to Mull. Oliver found a massive battered but working remote-controlled car. He and Archie had fun later having races up and down the pavement outside much to the annoyance of the neighbours I"m sure! Archie didn't get much but I found him a driving game for the PS2. I was delighted to find an LP by Roy Hudd called Hudd's Dunnit! A live cabaret recording. I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet but it has one of my favourite Roy Hudd songs on it where he mimics the Singing Postman called "Peeping Tom".
After a quick cuppa and some picnic making we drove off in search of the Chelford Steam Fair. Got stuck in a traffic jam at one point and discovered it was the queue for the Shootin' and Fishin' fair at nearby Wuzzock's Hall! Eventually manages to find the steam fair but lost Dini who was following in her car with Millie and Oliver. A mix up with the tickets so I had to get out at the gate and wait for Dini to arrive, which thankfully she did about 5 minutes later. I was bursting for a pee by this point and rushed off to find a toilet through the massive field of cars that was streaming in through the entrance. This where it all went horribly wrong. Instead of going back to where I last saw Dini and Hazel I wandered around the fair in the vain hope our paths might cross.
The steam, the acrid smoke, the belching flames, the roaring spitting roasting heat! and this was just Hazel when she found me again two hours later! Seems they had all waited for me at the entrance and had a picnic hoping I might turn up but I was still wandering around like an idiot being bombarded by steam organs and wurlitzers, gallopers,big wheels, shooting galleries, penny slot machines and traction engines belching smoke etc.
Anyway, we all went to the fair after a brief stop for drinks and frisbees. I went on the big wheel with Archie and Hazel and some of the others went on the steam gallopers. Another photo would be good here but I don't know how to do it.
Keith and Dini have departed now for the Highlands and Island of Mull to brave the rain and winds of bonnie Scotland. Camping? Are they mad?!

7 comments:

sylviasometimes said...

Well, it all sounds like a delightful day in the country to me! A real adventure with treasures to be found at the end. Hope Hazel didn't char you too badly with the mix-up...sounds like you survived. Great picture. Good luck with your new LP find. Still have to get Jonathan's played adjusted before we can play any of his. Take care all.

sylviasometimes said...

hey, Michael...tried to catch your audio clip but it says the group mailart still has to approve me...hmmm! How do I speed that up...has been a week or so...and who does the approving...you? Was hoping that Jon & I could hear yer nefarious voice! Cheers

Roger Stevens said...

All the fun of the fair, eh?
We are planning a holiday in January in Liverpool.
We thought we might visit you on the way up. But only if you promise not to get lost again.

sylviasometimes said...

Michael...have you fallen into the black-hole then??? What happening there? Have visions of electrical abnormalities doing pyrotechnic explosions in the sky & again no power, gas, etc. Hope the home-front is secure...lol. Hugs to all.

Wastedpapiers said...

Gosh, 184 emails to look at! Mostly rubbish ofcourse. Nice to find your two flobberlobbed comments on out return from Lundinium and Effex. Lots to add to blog. Seems ages ago now I blogged. Will have to get back into the blogging mode again!
yes, will be nice to see you in January Roger? A bit short notice though!?

Roger Stevens said...

January 2006 !!!

Wastedpapiers said...

Sorry, we will be out!