Last weekend my sister-in-law joined me and Andrew for our annual pilgrimage to Pinkneys Green, near Maidenhead, Berkshire to visit Carters Steam Fair.
Pinkneys Green - the quintessential English country village?
We were very very lucky with the weather, despite a soggy forecast the rain held off all day and only started early evening. Although when it rained, it really rained!
If you haven't visited Carters before, if you get the chance, go, as it's a fantastic day out for everyone. The fair was founded in 1977 by John and Anna Carter and as the Carter family has grown (the youngest being only 9 months old), so too has the collection of vintage rides (all highly decorated by Anna) plus side stalls, childrens rides and other entertainment. Although Carters mainly stay within the South of England, wherever they travel, all the rides are packed away and pulled from place to place with their fleet of vintage showman's transport.
Lorry Fleet Number 16 - 1951 Scammell
I took far too many photographs of all the gleaming rides, lorries and engines; it was a good opportunity to play with my new camera so you'll have to forgive me for the amount of pictures!
Some of Anna's amazing artwork adorning the side of the Steam Yachts
Not actually a Carters lorry, but a 1948 Scammell Showtrac 'City of Exeter' owned by a friend of ours, who is connected to the Carter family.
Lots of fun being had!
The Octopus and Lighthouse Slip (not a helter-skelter) in the background
Round and round and side to side on the Lightning Skid
Roll up, roll up, get your ice creams!
The gallopers and a 1918 Garrett Showman's Tractor 'Verity'
Early evening and you can see storm clouds were brewing!
Pinkneys Green - the quintessential English country village?
We were very very lucky with the weather, despite a soggy forecast the rain held off all day and only started early evening. Although when it rained, it really rained!
If you haven't visited Carters before, if you get the chance, go, as it's a fantastic day out for everyone. The fair was founded in 1977 by John and Anna Carter and as the Carter family has grown (the youngest being only 9 months old), so too has the collection of vintage rides (all highly decorated by Anna) plus side stalls, childrens rides and other entertainment. Although Carters mainly stay within the South of England, wherever they travel, all the rides are packed away and pulled from place to place with their fleet of vintage showman's transport.
I took far too many photographs of all the gleaming rides, lorries and engines; it was a good opportunity to play with my new camera so you'll have to forgive me for the amount of pictures!
Indeed!
1904 Burrell Showman's Locomotive 'Britannia'
Just to get one thing cleared up for everyone - in Britain, these are not called Carousels! The correct term is 'a set of Gallopers' and here's one of the galloping horses, Frank.
Penny arcade machines - Allwins - also often called 'robbing machines'...
The front of the 93 keyless Andreas Ruth Fairground Organ
Like something out of Frankestein, this control board governed power to some of the fairground rides during the day
The steam yachts in full swing...
Anna Carters 1948 Vospa Living Van
Rock 'n' Roll on the Dodgems
Well worth a visit - check out Carters Steam Fair website for their latest diary dates!
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