A packed programme today where the Fair was officially blessed and the celebrations began..!

Well, the weather certainly helped! A wonderfully warm day, with just a hint of a breeze. Let’s hope it continues!! 🙄

The Classic Vehicle Display

Just after 9.30am, vehicles began to arrive for this year’s Classic Vehicle Show. With Ian Dudley from the Rowell Fair Society co-ordinating the traffic aided by his team of Marshals, including Keith Lewis recording entrants as they arrived, the good weather had brought out the crowds! 👍🌞

This year saw over 30 entries with men, woman and machinery in perfect harmony!

There was a wide range of models – Spitfires, Skylines and Stags!

Morrises, MGs and Mk1 Golfs – even a tractor in glorious condition!

Frank York, Bailiff to the Lord of the Manor was ably assisted by Ann Palmer, Guest Judge, Rowell Fair Society in judging this year’s entries.

Everybody who entered was awarded the limited-edition RFS Water Bottle whilst the two main prizes (donated by the Rowell Charter Inn) were presented by Paul Johnson, President of the Rowell Fair Society, Frank and Ann.

First Prize of a bottle of sparking wine was awarded to Roger & Susan Barratt for their Jowett Javelin.

Highly Commended Prize of a bottle of white wine went to Stuart Summerfield and his 1972, MGB in stunning orange. The Judges commented that they were the shiniest set of alloy wheels they’d ever seen!

On behalf of RFS’s Ian Dudley and his Marshals, our thanks to everyone who took part in today’s Show:-

Alan Garaghty, Alix J, Andrew Stirzaker, Bernard Rice, Butch Bagnell, Dave Bennett, Duncan Shaw, Ian Clayton, John Dainty, John Edgar, Michael Port, Mick Joyce, Mick Spendlove, Nick Cook, Nick Freelore, Pat Farmer, Patrick Rumbell, Paul Spendlove, Richard Garaghty, Richard Sears, Robert Hall, Roger & Susan Barratt, Stuart Summerfield, Stuart Wright and Thomas Matthews.

The Model Fair Exhibition

Also beginning at 10am at Tresham Hall (above the Conservative Club in Rothwell) was another Fair – albeit in miniature! All superbly organised by Dave Arthur & Mick Reynolds.

These stunning models of many fairground attractions had been lovingly recreated by their owners with fantastic attention to detail.

Not only were these models perfect in every detail – in most cases, they were WORKING models too!

Merry-go-Rounds spinning, Cakewalks shaking – and some had full lighting too! A real delight for the senses – and a credit to their creators.

There were no prizes for this exhibition, but every entrant received the sought-after RFS Water Bottle including Bert Horobin and Dave Springthorpe above receiving theirs from RFS President, Paul Johnson.

Street Entertainment

A great attraction this year was Balls Up – a unique juggling act – where the general public were encouraged to get involved by way of a juggling and a tightrope workshop. That’s right! It was truly interactive! Read more about them on their Facebook page HERE.

Burton Latimer Ukulele & Drum Group

It was a welcome return to Burton Latimer’s Ukulele & Drum Group who last entertained us at one of our Members’ Evenings in November, 2022 (read more about them HERE).

They certainly got the toes tapping of those lucky enough to see their performance. A great sound with Ukes and a drum working well together with the vocals.

The Civic Parade to Holy Trinity Church

The Council’s Civic Parade was very popular. The streets were lined with plenty of onlookers there to see the march-past.

Led by Northampton Pipe Band who created a truly a stirring sound with their instruments…

…and with two Steam Traction Engines (courtesy of Allen Eaton) at the rear, it was a spectacle that certainly brought out the crowds.

The Procession included our RFS President, Paul Johnson, his wife, RFS Secretary, Sue Johnson, Reverend Alan Farrington, Rothwell Methodist Church, Rothwell’s Mayor of Rothwell, Ray Davis flanked by RFS Halberdiers. The Town’s various youth organisations were well represented and followed the civic representatives.

The Civic Service

The procession took around 15 minutes. Luckily, the roads had been closed-off making it safer for everyone. Marshals were at various points along the way to keep marchers and motors away from each other! The procession ended at the Holy Trinity Church.

Revd. Andrew Farrington led the Service supported by Revd. Margaret Mossman. Readings were given by the Deputy Mayor, Keith Patrick and the new Mayor of Rothwell, Ray Davis. The congregation were then invited to process back towards the Fun Fair for the official Blessing.

The Blessing of the Fair

Andrew once again, led proceedings to the large assembled crowd.

As we all jostled for position, the National Anthem was sung together with hymns: All Things Bright and Beautiful and Praise my Soul, the King of Heaven all supported by The Gretton Silver Band.

Andrew finished the Blessing with the well-known Showman’s Prayer…

“O my God, I believe in you, I trust in you, I thank you for all my blessings. I love you and ask forgiveness for my sins. Guide and protect me and all those dear to me. Make me mindful of my privilege as a showman to bring joy, and happiness to all people, especially those in need. And, when my last act on earth is completed and the final curtain falls, take me to yourself to be happy with you for ever. Amen”.

The crowds needed no further encouragement and headed for the Fun-Fair and within minutes many of the rides were in full swing.

For those looking for something a little more gentle, there was an opportunity to attend the Recital at the Methodist Church, the Flower Festival at Holy Trinity Church and the Model Fair Exhibition in Tresham Hall.

The Proclamation!

The following day – the Proclamation – or ‘Proc Monday’ takes place. There’s a good article in the Northamptonshire Telegraph looking back on previous ‘Procs’ HERE. It’s worth a look. Proclamation Monday starts from 6am and is an important part of Rowell Fair week. Read even more about the event HERE on our website.

Remember, the Fun-Fair is on all week (opening at 6pm) until Saturday, 10th (opening at 2pm).