It’s Rowell Fair Trinity Sunday 2025!

Welcome to Trinity Sunday, part of Rowell Fair Week 2025.

As always with the Rowell Fair, today was a busy programme, where the only element that we couldn’t control – the weather – brought us a warm, sunny day – but not too warm – with just a brief spot of rain during the Vehicle Show. Perfect! 😊👍

Still, our famous Rowell Fair has been running for over 800 years and we weren’t going to let a few spots of rain spoil the occasion! 👍

Everyone has their own view as to the most iconic part of Trinity Sunday, but for many, the official blessing of our ancient Charter Fair is a high-point – and there’s more about that later. For those new to Rothwell, you can also read the history of this pivotal event on our webpage HERE.

For others, it’s the Civic Parade with all its pomp and circumstance whilst for the young-at-heart, it’s the opportunity to be one of the first to try out the fairground!

But before all that, the first stop today was at the Model Fair Exhibition at Tresham Hall. If you like your fairground attractions – but a little smaller, this is the place to see them all under one roof – and meet their creators too! It’s hard to convey in words, the level of precision that has gone into creating these miniature masterpieces – see later on this page for the photo gallery.

The Model Fair Exhibition

All the Fun of the Fair – But smaller!

Thank you from the Rowell Fair Society! 👏👏

By way of the thank-you for the Exhibitors’ support for the Rowell Fair, Louise Holborow (Lord of the Manor), Ian Jelley (Mayor of Rothwell) accompanied by President of the Rowell Fair Society, Paul Johnson, visited each owner and their exhibits, presenting them with complimentary and highly collectable RFS-inscribed Insulated Drinks Mug.

Louise Holborow (Lord of the Manor) and Ian Jelley (Mayor of Rothwell) congratulate David Wilson from Shepshed. David has been exhibiting at the Model Fair Exhibition for 10 years.

Louise talked to Raymond Wilson, the father of David Wilson.

Louise and Ian met with Keith Hamilton from Cambridge, who has been exhibiting his models for more than 20 years.

Louise also congratulated Richard Franklin.

Martin Cooper from Hampshire, who has been coming to the Exhibition for 20 years, met with Louise and Ian.

Louise and Ian congratulated John Bland from Dunstable. John and his wife Patsy have been exhibiting for 10 years.

Louise and Ian met Peter Bullimore and his ‘little helper’ in conjunction with Elijah Hannah Raven

They exhibited three sets of Trains and it was their first year exhibiting at our Model Fair.

Paul Johnson (President of the Rowell Fair Society), Louise and Ian congratulated Michael Reynolds from Cambridge on his extensive cigarette lighter collection.

Paul Beetson and Diane Stocker from Rushden started making models in 1986. Here they showed off their working Ferris Wheel to Ian, Davey, Louise and Paul.

Joshua Chandler from Northampton was congratulated by Louise and Ian.

A team effort from Ben, Lily and Grace who showed off their amazing 1960’s model trainset, made in honour of their grandfather, Peter Dines. Ben posed us all a question: “Which part of the exhibit is ‘non-period?’“. We won’t reveal the answer here, but it’s not a vehicle or a building! 😉. Pinch and zoom, and if you think you know the answer, drop us a line HERE.

Paul, Ian and Louise congratulated David Jones from Kettering. David loved Lego as a child and his interest and skills continued to grow. He has now been exhibiting for over 20 years.

A family effort from Darren, Kayden and Morgan Tapp from Irthlingborough and Wellingborough. They showed off their model HGVs to Ian and Louise.

Stan and Sylvia Savage from Nottingham proudly showed off their model large trucks to Ian and Louise.

But of course, events like these don’t ‘just happen’ each year without a lot of planning. Davey Arthur, is not only an Exhibitor, but he helps to organise the Model Exhibition from the ground-up. Frank and Louise passed on their grateful thanks from all of us for another superb Exhibition this year. Davey was also presented with his very own RFS-inscribed Insulated Drinks Mug.

The Classic Vehicle Show

Next stop was the Classic Car Display held in the Charter Inn car-park. Ian Dudley (RFS Committee) managed the whole event, ably assisted on the day by Keith and Johnny who welcomed a record number of entries this year – just under 40 vehicles! 😊👍

Our bigger concern is always the weather on these occasions, but apart from some momentary light rain that ended within a few minutes of judging, the weather was perfect – Someone was smiling on us! 👍😎

Our Judge, Lennie Newman carefully inspected each vehicle where this year we had a increased turnout for bikes! 👍

In fact, 2025’s Show turned out to attract record numbers – just under 40 vehicles were on parade, from tractors to TR5s, Morris’s to MGs, a Bentley and Bus – and even a rare Jowett Javelin!

We certainly weren’t lacking numbers this year meaning even more variety than usual.

…and there was even more!

Plenty of Vespas and Lambrettas too – plus a new Harley maintained in immaculate condition.

In this year’s competition, Judge Lennie Newman awarded three prizes. Prize-giving duties were shared amongst Louise Holborow (Lord of the Manor), Paul Johnson (President of the Rowell Fair Society) and Susanne Cunningham (Deputy Mayor of Corby).

All that admiration for vehicles needs energy and where for many, the sight of the Burger Van was most welcome! A quick chat with the owner revealed he had enjoyed a very busy morning so far – and that was sure to continue! In the interests of quality control, members of the Rowell Fair Committee tested the quality and can attest that those juicy 6oz-ers were delicious!!! 😋😋

Classic Car Show 2025
– “Best in Show”

Best in Show was awarded to Gary MacDonald’s Oldsmobile Rocket 88 who had a passion for American cars. His winning vehicle was later used today as the Mayor’s personal transport during the Civic Parade.

Lennie Newman fell in love with Gary McDonald’s amazing Oldsmobile Rocket 88 and awarded him the top prize at the show! 👍

Classic Car Show 2024
– “Special Award”

This year’s ‘Special Award’ went to Thomas Parnwell for his immaculate Mini who has only owned it for a year. It was a prototype and only 7 were ever made – and this was number 7! (He also owned the Bus on display today).

Thomas was congratulated by Judge Lennie on his beautiful Mini.

Classic Car Show 2025
– “Third Prize”

Third prize went to Ian Clayton from Desborough and his Lancia Delta HF integrale and who’d owned it for 14 years.

Paul Johnson, Louise, Ian Clayton and Susanne admired his beautiful left-hand drive Italian beauty together with its ‘like new’ paintwork.

Everyone a Winner!

As a small token of the RFS’s appreciation, Louise Holborow (Lord of the Manor) Paul Johnson (President of the RFS) and Susanne Cunningham (Deputy Mayor, Corby) distributed the RFS-inscribed Insulated Drinks Mug to all entrants.

As the Show came to an end, we spotted a vehicle that beat them all in terms of looks! Thanks for driving your car for us Emberlee, we all loved your vehicle!! 🥰😍

Our thanks to our legion of car and bike lovers who proudly showed-off their pride and joy today!

Thanks too, to Lennie Newman and the Rowell Charter Inn team for hosting this year’s event and helping us reach a record turnout! 👍

Street Entertainment

The Rowell Fair Society strives to bring variety to each Rowell Fair and 2025 was no exception. With Jugglers, Balloon Sculptors, Pipers, Steam Engines and Pipe Organs – and of course, the Fun-Fair, there was something for everyone! 👏👏

Balls Up Jugglers

Balls Up hail from Corby and provide a club designed for teaching all aspects of circus skills.
Their club is on a Tuesday night 7-9pm. All ages are welcome!

Mr Crumble

Mr Crumble was very active, entertaining our younger visitors – and sometimes older visitors as well – with his remarkable balloon sculpting skills. You pick an animal and Mr Crumble will make it!

This year, due to his popularity, he was ably assisted by Mrs Crumble!

Braybrooke Morris Dancers

Braybrooke Morris Dancers joined us last year for the first time and were very popular. A year later and nothing much had changed as the crowds gathered to see them perform once more. An infectious toe-tapping experience was enjoyed by everyone!

You dancing yet? 😉

The Pipe Organ

This was a first for the Rowell Fair – a pipe organ belting out contemporary tunes! Supplied by Peter Ballimore, Hannah Raven, Mark Raven (with Elijah and Olivia) from Bourne in Lincolnshire, it made for a real family affair and looked as good as it sounded – occasionally powered by the Lord of the Manor! 😊👍

The Civic Parade to Holy Trinity Church

Just after 1.30, the Civic Parade made its journey towards Holy Trinity Church.

Steered (literally by RFS Committee member, Ian Dudley and Cadets Officer, Karl Sumpter followed by the Northampton Pipe Band and flanked by Halbardiers, it was a great site to see! 😊

The Parade featured representatives from our Town and further afield including: RFS President, Paul Johnson, his wife Sue Johnson (RFS Secretary); Louise Holborow, Lord of the Manor and her father, Major Johnny Powell; Jeremy Sharman (High Sheriff of Northamptonshire) and his wife, Fiona; Reverends Andrew Giles and Andy Murphy; Mayor of Rothwell, Ian Jelley and his wife, Sheila; Mayor of Kettering, Ben Jameson; Cllr Cedwien Brown; Mark Cox (Events Committee Chair) and his wife, Barbara (Deputy Chair, Royal British Legion); Matt Garner, Chair, Rothwell Preservation Trust; Town Clerk, Jo Garner; Susanne Cunningham (Deputy Mayor, Corby); Rosie Wrighting (MP) and representatives of various local youth organisations, all flanked by RFS Halberdiers – Steve Wells, Colin Bell, Wayne Woods and Grant Voss.

The procession took around 15 minutes and for safety, local roads had been closed.

Steve Howkins ©2025. Added: 15th June, 2025

Following the procession were two of Allen Eaton’s steam engines. Just like last year, they certainly encouraged everyone to take even more photographs. From 8 year-olds to 80-year olds, everyone loves these mighty machines!

The Civic Service

Around fifteen minutes later, the procession arrived at Holy Trinity Church.

The Procession entered the Church where Revd. Andy Giles gave us a warm welcome. He led the Service supported by Revd. Andrew Murphy from the nearby Methodist Church.

After the first Hymn – ‘Praise my Soul’ and a Prayer, Cllr. Cedwien Brown read from Psalm 8 followed by Mayor of Rothwell, Ian Jelley, reading Matthew 28: 16-20.

Andrew Murphy then delivered his stirring Sermon centred around ‘community’. This was followed by the Hymn: All Things Bright and Beautiful and Prayers led by the Scouts. The Lord’s Prayer followed and then the final Hymn: How Great Though Art.

Valerie Panter’s poem from 2017 was read out by Rothwell Junior School with each of the selected pupils reading out a verse-or-two each. Great stuff and good to hear the poem again after all these years – thanks Valerie.

At just before 2.40, the Service ended.

After the Service, the Parade made its way back to the famous ‘Waltzer’ for the Blessing of this year’s Fair.

The weather was still warm as the entourage made the short journey for the final formality of the day.

The Blessing of the Fair

The Blessing of the Fair signifies the official opening of the more playful side of the Rowell Fair – the Rides! You can read more about the Blessing’s history and see a selection of photographs from yesteryear HERE on this website.

Andy led the official Blessing Ceremony as the crowds gathered.

This began with the National Anthem, the Hymns ‘And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times’ followed by the Showman’s Prayer.

The Blessing ended with a second Hymn: Praise my Soul, the King of Heaven and after a final prayer, Andy declared the Rowell Fair for 2025 now officially OPEN! 👍😊👏👍😊👏

For those wanting a slightly gentler pursuit, over in the Methodist Church, the Gretton Silver Band were in concert.

This was a popular event and was a full-house by the time the Band began playing.

Meanwhile, organised by Holy Trinity Church was the annual Flower Festival and this year’s theme of ‘Celebrating Books’ – where there were refreshments and a raffle too! 👍

This was the Rowell Fair’s entry – ‘Vanity’ Fair’. More details coming soon our dedicated Flower Festival page featuring a selection of this year’s entries – watch this space!

A Bird’s-eye View of Rowell Fair 2025!

Our thanks to Graham Butlin for this year’s drone footage taken above the Fair on Saturday evening, 14th June (12 minutes).

Added: 15th June, 2025 © Graham Butlin

Previous Years
Trinity Sunday 2024 – Click HERE
Trinity Sunday 2023 – Click HERE

We hope this short narrative has brought back some happy memories – and if you couldn’t get to Rothwell, an appreciation of what you missed! We hope to see you next year! You can check the exact dates HERE on our website.

Tomorrow – The Proclamation!

Tomorrow, it’s the Proclamation, or as us locals call it, simply ‘The Proc’ or ‘Proc Monday’. We’ve written extensively about it HERE on our website, and if you can recite the Charter’s words off-by-heart tomorrow, you’ll be in good company!

On the day, it’s probably best left to the professionals – Frank York – our very own Bailiff to the Lord of the Manor!

See you bright and early – 6am at Holy Trinity Church! 😴😴

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