Ilkeston - Small Change
w/e 20 October 2024
All of this week's pictures were taken with a Nikon D3300
772nd Charter Fair

Mid October in Ilkeston can only mean one thing - the annual Charter Fair and this year marks the 772nd anniversary of the granting of the Charter in 1252 allowing a fair to be held on the first Thursday after the first Sunday after the 11th of the month.There have been a lot of changes since that first Fair nearly eight centuries ago but recently changes to the layout in the town centre have only been small from year to year and many have gone unnoticed.

Getting Ready

We were certainly not expecting anything different this year as we walked up South Street on Tuesday morning as the Fair was being erected ready for the opening the following day. There was no clue to any change as we approached the Market Place with the Big Wheel already in situ (minus the seats) in its usual spot at the side of the Town Hall and the Gallopers also being in its spot straight ahead.
War Memorial

But as we turned in front of the library we were surprised to see another wheel beyond the War Memorial and also the enormous Booster looming high above the church.
Fun House

The Booster or similar thrill ride has been erected in front of the library for several years now but in a change this year a Fun House is standing in that position as seen here a few days later.
The Sizzler

In recent times it has been the norm to see The Sizzler in the corner of the Market Place at the end of Market Street. It may have gone by a different name in the past but it has been a similar type of ride for several years though. Thinking back to the latter half of the last century, there have been a number of different roundabouts here. The Caterpillar, Rockets and The Whip are just three that come to mind but it's just another example of the small changes that take place over time.
The Opening

The Fair began operating on Wednesday evening despite the official opening not taking place until Thursday at midday - another example of a small change that has taken place in recent years. And, once again, thinking back, the Fair used to stay until the following Monday evening when it opened to raise money for charity. There is likely to be another change next year as, although the Fair currently closes on Saturday and has almost disappeared by Sunday, there is a proposal for it to remain for an extra day next year.
Old Favourites

Among all these small changes though, some things never seem to change. Old favourites, the Dodgems and The Gallopers are back in their usual spots.

Cakewalk

As is the Waltzer, the Helter Skelter and of course, it wouldn't be the Fair without the Old Tyme Brooklyn Cakewalk standing between them.
Changes

But this year those small changes are far more obvious with a second Big Wheel backing on to the church wall and the Booster dwarfing St Mary's Church. Only half of its height is visible here.
Ghost Train

The Booster is also visible in this shot from the Lower Market Place. It's probably here that those original fairs were held as there used to be buildings on what is now the main Market Place. It's here on the Lower Market Place that another change has occurred that will be remembered by people of my generation. The Ghost Train has now become a familiar attraction in this spot but there used to be a Boxing Booth here where local youths were invited to step inside and take on boxers who travelled with the Fair.
Hook A Duck

Before Bingo became a favourite pastime and moved indoors to permanent venues, every other stall at the Fair seemed to be providing the opportunity to play the game. Nowadays, all the Bingo stalls have gone and it's Hook A Duck that features throughout the Fair. That's another small change that's taken place but at £5.00 a go you're going to need a lot more than small change this year.

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