Hordle Village Fair

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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.

Clown and child

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.

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People of all ages toured the wide open spaces and visited the well spread out stalls around them.

Dog and legs

There were quite a number of dogs towing their owners.

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Plant sales aroused plentiful interest.

Spinning

A couple of woman span happily in their tent;

Knitted puppets

other handicraft included knitted hand puppets,

Flannels

flannels,

Bags

and various textile items examined by these young ladies.

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A long colourful caterpillar was a children’s maze;

Mr Bounce 1

and there was a rubber slide.

Mr Bounce 2

Boys

Mr Bounce 3

and girls had stereotypically different approaches to the downward trip.

Rapunzel scarecrow

Although the scarecrows were mostly still displayed outside their homes, one Rapunzel had found her way to the recreation ground.

Liberty's Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre

One very popular tent was that of the Liberty Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre. Jackie and I

Perlin 1Harris Hawk 1

just had to investigate the occupants like these hawks

White Headed Vulture 1White Headed Vulture 2

and the White Headed Vulture.

Raptor Audience 1

As soon as an announcement was made that there would be a handling display of these raptors, a crowd gathered around the showing enclosure,

Harris Hawk 3

Hawk handling

and were entertained by a most eloquent and informative handler in complete control of his birds. Even the clown was rapt.

Harris Hawk 2

A photographer on the other side of the enclosure, like me, waited for the hawk to take off.

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The bird man did his best to convince us that the White Headed Vulture was not as ugly as she was painted.

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Music was provided by the Clayesmore Pipe Band of Christchurch.

Army Cadets

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.