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Those who had worked so hard to create today’s Hordle Village Fair woke up to a forecast of rain from 3.00 p.m.. The event was to begin at 1.00 p.m.. In fact, although we were beset by heavy clouds, rain held off until soon after four. Jackie and I paid a visit.
A yellow clown, reminiscent of Barrie Haynes’s pink bunny persona for Bournemouth Lions fundraising events, entertained children and adults alike. I’m sure Barrie could identify the classic car standing on the left, and the others lined up in the background. The round balls seen atop one of them light up when the occasion arises. It is a Belgian hearse belonging to the creator of the Pied Piper of Hamelin scarecrow.
People of all ages toured the wide open spaces and visited the well spread out stalls around them.
There were quite a number of dogs towing their owners.
Plant sales aroused plentiful interest.
A couple of woman span happily in their tent;
other handicraft included knitted hand puppets,
flannels,
and various textile items examined by these young ladies.
A long colourful caterpillar was a children’s maze;
and there was a rubber slide.
Boys
and girls had stereotypically different approaches to the downward trip.
Although the scarecrows were mostly still displayed outside their homes, one Rapunzel had found her way to the recreation ground.
One very popular tent was that of the Liberty Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre. Jackie and I
just had to investigate the occupants like these hawks
and the White Headed Vulture.
As soon as an announcement was made that there would be a handling display of these raptors, a crowd gathered around the showing enclosure,
and were entertained by a most eloquent and informative handler in complete control of his birds. Even the clown was rapt.
A photographer on the other side of the enclosure, like me, waited for the hawk to take off.
The bird man did his best to convince us that the White Headed Vulture was not as ugly as she was painted.
Music was provided by the Clayesmore Pipe Band of Christchurch.
Army cadets provided an information tent and were responsible for gathering up stray monkeys.
This evening we dined on pork and jalapeno sausages and colourful carrots from the monthly farmers’ market in Everton Nurseries, pork belly from Tesco, new potatoes and cabbage from I don’t know where, with very tasty gravy by the Culinary Queen. I drank El arte de vivin Ribera del Duero 2015.
Goodness now this takes me back. Is it still on the fields behind the scout and WI HUTS?
I do like to take you back, Geoff. Yes it is. Thanks
It looks like a fun fair–especially the raptor event. I’m glad the rain held off. It looks like you had a lovely day.
We have threatening skies here, too, for our Labor Day weekend, but I think the rain from Tropical Storm Hermine is going to be mainly along the coast.
Thank you, Merril. We were back home when the rain set in, but it would have brought things to an early close.
Well, I agree that the White-Headed Vulture is the best looking vulture that I’ve ever seen…as far as they go!
Quite so, Ginene. Thank you
‘dogs towing their owners’ … 😀
Thanks, Widdershins. I’m glad you appreciated that
Looks like a fun event…we have so many coming in the Fall…much better weather here. The birds are great. Not a fan of clowns. Most kids I know are wary of the creepiness. ☺
Many thanks, Van. You are not alone, re clowns
Especially love the girl with the red shoes in the second photo….shades of the family pubescent who thinks this whole thing is lame and didn’t want to come anyway… 🙂
Oh yes! Well spotted!
Yes 🙂
So true, Cynthia; and she is exactly why I took that shot. Well seen, once more
She doesn’t look in the mood to give a civil answer to your request about whether she grants you leave to include her on your blog!
Quite so, Paul. On this occasion, I didn’t ask.
Even you great photos couldn’t make the white headed vulture look pretty! So nice to see village fairs are still going strong ?
Thanks, Val. This fair was quite splendid.
A wonderful day at the fair, everyone had a great time. Very nice Derrek, thank you. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Terry
Those birds are magnificent. Even the vulture!
Thanks a lot, Jessica
That bird is hideous, but I’m a big fan of vultures. They do so much good here in Florida. Nature’s garbage men.
Many thanks, Lelsie.
Looks like a fun day, Derrick. I don’t know what it is about clowns, but I’ve always found them to be scary…strange huh? Thanks for sharing your photos!
Thanks, Jill. Maybe that they are real and unreal, a bit like lifelike dolls?
Beautiful birds !
Thank you, Sylvie
I think it was a fun event.
I am not a fan of clowns. They scare me. But I can say that I am a fan of birds.
Beautiful post, Derrick 🙂
Many thanks, Monica. I can understand a fear of clowns
😀
Hordle Village Fair is what they fought the Battle of Britain to preserve. I haven’t seen anything more English in a long time.
Thanks, John. Despite the weather – that’s the Englishness
Looks like a fun occasion, Derrick. I also have a bit of a phobia about clowns, whatever colour wig they’re wearing. It even has a name….coulrophobia. 🙂
Thanks, Sylvia, especially for the new word. I’ll try to remember it 🙂
My pleasure, Derrick. 🙂
How wonderful seeing a village fair like this thriving when so many seem to be going extinct. Really enjoyed all of the photos. Glad the rain held off! 🙂
Thanks very much, Becka
“Army cadets provided an information tent and were responsible for gathering up stray monkeys.”
I am dying of laughter, here, Derrick. You just slip these things in there.
This looks very much like our nearby Franklinville Day – which is next weekend. My son and I will be running the 5K in the morning & the rest of the day will be very much as your pictures portray.
Except our Army cadets are NOT in charge of the monkeys.
I really enjoy country fairs and festivals – this would have been my kind of place for a pleasant afternoon.
Many thanks, Mary
I’m no expert on cars, but I reckon that back row in the first shot are an MGB, a Volvo (just possibly an Oldsmobile), a fairly recent Ford Escort, and a Triumph Herald. The one mostly off-shot I sort-of recall, and can picture the whole car, but not put a name to it. It may have been sold under several marques, possibly including Singer. Or it MAY be a Ford Anglia, but I think the headlight fairing was more prominent on them.
Thanks a lot, Paul
Now I’ve seen someone with a monkey on his back. Thought it was just a metaphor. I like the birds, too. I saw a hawking display in Italy a few years ago and it was fascinating. But THEY didn’t have a vulture. She looks like an actor whose name I can’t remember at the moment.
I like the monkey on his back quip, Lisa. Thank you. I’m sure I’d recognise the actor if I ever saw him/her
I remembered. Christopher Walken.
Lovely photos. I have never been to a fair. They look like fun.
This one was particularly so, Lonely. They are sometimes fairly uninspired events. Thank you
What an excellent fair!
Those hawk images are really great
Thanks a lot, Laurie
Derrick, are you happy if I use some of your pics on the new Hordle web site ( It will be tastefully done!)
I’d be honoured, Clive.