Todmorden: it's show time!
The Todmorden Country Fair held in Centre Vale Park is a community event with a feel-good family atmosphere. Today, conditions were idyllic as the weather improved and improved to give a gloriously sunny afternoon.
Volunteers fronted the CROWS' stall and greeted a steady stream of visitors. We would like to thank all who came to our stall for the supportive comments, the pertinent enquiries, the suggestions for jobs and, the generous donations.
Here's how the day went:
1. Flying the flag for CROWS.
The gazebo presented its normal challenge - successful setting up requires at least one CROW with a GCSE in origami and another with a doctorate in structural engineering!
We might need to get a replacement gazebo for next year as some of the current framework is no longer repairable. For the moment, however, it gives shelter for interesting displays of our rights-of-way work: e.g. step building, revetment installation, stile construction, boardwalk projects and countless instances of waymarking, cutting back and path fettling . . .
2. The volunteers
Although some members of CROWS were involved all day, others did two-hour (or more) shifts. Here's Ken, Kasher and Gareth caught in a happy moment . . .
. . . and Gareth, Ken and Frank H in equally relaxed mode . . .
. . . and Mick searching for the peregrine falcon which was part of an impressive 'main ring' event. You'll need keen eyes, Mick . . . the falcon can exceed 200 mph (320 km/h) in its diving stoop! . . .
3. The visitors
Numerous visitors called in at the stall; well known characters, local land owners, friends of CROWS, organisers of similar groups and curious strangers. Technically, we cannot include pictures of members of the public without their permission, but one visitor, Elsie, is only too happy to be photographed (actually, she is a bit of a show-off!)
Elsie or LC is a Lakeland terrier/Collie cross and often appears (with her human in tow) at local fairs, fetes and shows or at our worksites when leading the same human on a walk.
LC is usually ecstatically delighted to greet us (and is especially fond of Frank H) . . . except when distracted by more essential matters . . .
Overview.
Today was very successful. There was a wide range of stalls - some commercial and some representing local 'interest groups' - and a variety of main ring events to delight and entertain. Hundreds of visitors came through the gate and warm sunshine with a gentle breeze removed any concerns about vehicles getting stranded in soft ground!
The next local event where CROWS will have a presence is the Blackshaw Head Fete on Sat 31st August 2024 . . . make a note in your diaries!
