Ilkeston - The Annual Charter Fair 2004
w/e 24 October 2004
All this week's pictures were taken
with a Kodak DX6490
Travelling showmen rolled into town last week and many of them
set up camp on the Rutland Recreation Ground and formed their
own caravan village.
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By Wednesday morning most of the rides and stalls were erected
despite the inclement weather ready for the opening later that
evening.
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From afar, there were at least two additions to the Ilkeston
skyline with Big Ben and Booster towering above the spire and
tower of the United Reformed and St Mary's churches respectively.
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Town centre roads were closed to traffic and even though Captain
Gregory looked down from his Vaults in East Street somewhat disapprovingly,
I'm sure he was in the minority.
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This year Booster was sited outside the Library on the Market
Place and dwarfed the normally impressive building. Thursday
was a day of high winds and a thunderstorm passed over during
the evening. The ride had to be closed - it would have made an
excellent lightning conductor - but I wouldn't have fancied being
on the Booster in any weather!
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But for all the thrill rides no fair would be complete without
that old favourite, the Gallopers and behind the Albion Centre,
Brett was patiently waiting for a rider. I cannot remember a
fair that has suffered so much bad weather with rain every single
day but I am sure those that braved the elements would have found
it just as enjoyable as usual. When you read this, the fair will
have gone for another year but for a few days after this year's
event, I for one, will still be tucking into Brandy Snaps and
Grantham Gingerbreads and looking forward to the 753rd Charter
Fair next October.
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