Bishops Castle Michaelmas Fair
September 23rd/24th 2006
DBHS members attended the event, which is held annually and attracts visitors from all over Europe.
This year a new attraction to Michaelmas was the Craft Marquee erected in a prominent position on the field close to; the vintage vehicle display area, popular Fairground rides, Charity stalls, an intriguing arrangement of antique farm implements and tools, an enormous blow up slide, a Paint Ball Alley, a display of antique dolls and prams, an impressive Barrel Organ which played a medley of traditional Harvest Hymns and familiar tunes creating an atmosphere of unity and warmth as few could resist joining in the choruses.
DBHS had a pitch in the Marquee were members made floral head dresses to sell in aid of our chosen charity for 2006 ‘Guide Dogs For The Blind’.
There had been a lot of preparation prior to the event; Willow had to be collected, stripped and kept moist to enable ease of twisting and bending.
Chrysanthemums were amongst a wide variety of flowers picked and dried during the baking hot summer months in anticipation of a prosperous ‘Michaelmas’.
Approximately 120 head dresses of differing sizes were taken ready made, after participating in another more local event (Madeley Green Day) earlier in the year we quickly ran out of willow and flowers not realising just how popular the idea of willow head dresses would be.
It was raining early Saturday morning as we packed the vehicles including an especially heavy set of wooden skittles, picked up a valuable member of DBHS… Barbara.
Arriving at Bishops Castle the sun came out and we were directed to the Craft Maquee.
The Michaelmas Fair was officially opened amidst much joviality and tradition.
As the hour hand crept towards lunchtime the numbers of visitors increased, a few interested people were persuaded to purchase a willow head dress, before long people were seeking out our stall having seen others wearing them around the main street and around the Fair ground. In the Marquee we were positioned between ‘Jean’ an accomplished lady demonstrating the Spinning Wheel and a group raising funds for The Air Ambulance and selling organic make up. Also represented was The Green Wood Trust with a wonderful poster display and rolling DVD presentation, Jewellery craft, beautifully hand painted cards and Animal portraits. Design a Plaque, and a childrens corner of creativity, encouraging children to draw, crayon, read or just “Have a look”.
In the main High Street there was street entertainment to suit every one, fortune telling, an international Mime company which had to be seen, so poignantly expressive. Gymnasts in a Bubble, a Jazz Group, side shows and stalls, music, and food, every eating house in Bishops Castle invited you in.
Sky darkened as night drew in and the town took on a different atmosphere. Crowds gathered in anticipation as The Lantern Parade assembled at the medieval church. Led ceremoniously by a lone piper in full attire the procession began to move along the high street.
Lanterns of all sizes and designs glowed, lit by the flickering flame of real candles. Children from the locale had been designing and creating these impressive sculptors during lantern workshops held in The Public Hall. Now they were proudly carrying their creations through the town applauded by an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers lining the street some unable to contain themselves joined the procession.
When the Lantern Parade and its fire extinguisher bearing guardians reached the town summit it was time for the Steel Band to begin the energetic journey back down the street.
Now is the time for Bishops Castle to release all cares and woes and allow the primeval rhythmic beat to carry your soul on a wave of euphoria and enlightenment.
The festivities continued throughout Sunday, culminating in a majestic parade of all vintage vehicles and steam traction engines, they assembled on the auction yard and drove slowly through the town, ardent adoring enthusiasts skilfully manipulating the huge lumbering machines, their pride and joy! Two children wearing boiler suits, covered in soot and oil stood together behind dad as he spun the wheel making centuries old iron horse protest but not resist the effort.
DBHS spent a memorable weekend at Bishops Castle Michaelmas Fair.
Making new friends and invitations to visit other organisations to demonstrate hands on craft activities.
There were also some requests for next years Flower Show schedule.
Thank you Bishops Castle