Draycott in the Clay Summer Show

   Summer fairs are something of a lottery in the British summertime as the weather holds the key to the visitor numbers. The weather has been mixed in the week leading up to the show. I had committed to the show so I went. I was at the show ground at 10am, a nice civilised time of a Sunday morning, and was directed to my pitch. The avenue of trades was was laid at very well and the pitches were mire generously sized than other shows. My pitch was facing a roped off area. It was not until later did I find out that this where the tug-o-war competition was to be held.

   I said hello to my stall holder neighbours for the day. We all set out out stalls with one eye on the skys. I was ready by the appointed time and dropped my car off to the trades car park. The walk back to the stall was the most I saw of the show all day. 11 0'clock the gates opened and folks drifted in. The tug-o-war-ist organised themselves and commenced the competition. There was a lot of shouting and grunting as the competition wound its course. Apparently this event was part of an international tug-o-war league.

   Folks had their "leather" stories they wanted to share with me. Enquires were made and cards taken. That is part of what the show is about. A couple of people sought me out which bodes well. The Denna costume created lots comments. It quite surprising the range of ideas folks have about the piece. I dressed costume with my sword and buckler. One young lad must have come by to look at the sword a dozen times. With his Dad's permission I let the lad hold it. I showed him the "at ease" and "attention" positions. he could hardly hold it up. The sword is a basket guard cavalry sabre so it can only be carried and used in one hand. It turned out to be a bit heavy for him but it made his day all the same.

    About 2pm the sky became dark and the rain started to fall. A heavy drizzle to begin with and then it pelted down. Despite the rain the tractors and vintage cars had their parade. The heavy horse presentation were made but half hour of heavy rain and the show was effectively over. The Welsh man giving a demonstration of working dog using Eygptian running ducks in the main ring was entertaining but he could not save the show. The visitors ran for their cars. I just sat it out. The rain did abate but its dastardly work was done. I left the stall up to dry in the wind. In the end it went away dry.

   All packed away for 4pm. I took a trip to the beer tent for a pint and a sandwich. Then wandered down the far end of the beer tent where a steel band was playing. They played all day as backround music when there was no event in the main ring. They were great. Next door to the band but outside the beer tent was a toss the wool sack event. The game is simple, a hession sack is filled with wool. You have a pitch fork and there is a bar to throw the sack over. This look like a game for the locals. In truth, besides me, I think it was only the locals left. As the bar got higher the fancied players started to join the competition. Eventualy youth and bulk won the day. And that was my day out. A nice event spoiled by the weather.