We had a really super day on Sunday at the Abergaveny Steam Fair, organised and run by the Abergavenny Rotary Club. Clayton was away for today with his nose stuck into some books at Hay-on-Wye . We arrived bright and early, so we didn't miss anything and were escorted to the Rotary Hospitality Tent. On the way I was asked to formally open the event, well I wasn't expecting to have to do that - arrived too early again. We were welcomed by President Martin and given an overview of the event. Then I stumbled over my words as I opened the event, there was a delay between speaking into the mike and hearing your own voice boom out over the PA system. After some light refreshmnents we were offered a ride on one of the engines as they paraded round the town but, regretably we were not dressed to sit amongst the coal, the only available space, and I thought that we would get in the way so we delined the offer. We then met David Yendle, who is the mastermind behind this event and the chair of the organising committee. This is a huge project and it takes almost a year to organise.
Off we went to view the parade and to go round the show ground. There were trade stalls, charity stalls food areas, classic cars, classic motorbikes, classic tractors, a model tent, a craft tent all in addition to the array of vintage traction engines and road rollers. First event in the showground we stopped to watch were the Welsh Axemen demonstrating the art of chopping down trees. On the way round we came across a 1923 little Austin van decked out in the livery of the brewery from the town where I grew up, so we had to stop and talk the the owner, who was very chatty and obliging and even let Edwina sit in it. Have a look at the pictures. Next we bumped into Gwen and Stan Elworthy from Barry Vale club, who were exhibiting a Morris Minor. Back to the hospitality tent for some more light refreshment and time to watch the sheep dogs herding Indian running ducks and the show ground parade of steam. A quick tour of the tractors, bikes, model tent and craft tent left us cream crackered, so it was time to bid our farewells.
This is an unmissable event if you can spare the time and it always takes place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. last year was a complete washout and the cub had to dip into reserves to cover their costs but on Sunday the sun was shining the crowds were massing and I am sure that they will have a successful two days this year.
President Martin, David and the Abergavenny club are to be congratulated.
The Abergavenny Club work really hard and it was great that the weather was kind to them this year, the community benefits greatly to from the proceeds made from the event...Glad you enjoyed it Bob, we couldn't make it this year as it was our nieces wedding but won't miss it next year...I remember the muddy boots from last year so hopefully the weather will remain kind to them for a few more years.
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