Page 61 - Phonebox July 2013

Well what a fabulous Bank Holiday Weekend of weather we had for the Festival of Transport; wellies
were worn upto the Friday evening and intrepid ‘volunteers’ sent out regularly to look at the condition of the ground, plus tightening straps etc on the party tents – such was the amount of heavy downpours we had, and the strength of the wind. At one point we were sitting in the (stationary) cab of the Gist truck, and were fairly rocking around; gave us a taster of what it must be like to drive in such conditions. But up early on Saturday and what a change; no puddles to be found, the wind had dropped and the sun came out. Sunday was tee shirts and shorts, the wind came back on the Monday, but it remained dry, with the rain returning on the Tuesday!! Someone up there was watching over us! The weather certainly played it’s part in the event, with some exhibitors not coming due we’re sure to the awful conditions on the Friday, and as they didn’t ring to nd out how the site was, they missed out. But never mind, we had plenty else going on including a visit on the Saturday morning by Annabel and Mark from Radio Northampton on their regular Treasure Hunt slot. We had no idea of this until we heard on the radio that they were on their way – with the answer to the clue being the WNAA stand. Knights of Old were at the Festival with the Air Ambulance volunteers, for the launch of one of their lorries advertising the service down both sides of the trailer unit. The lorry wasn’t nished until 5pm on the Friday, and we understand the bosses hadn’t even seen
FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT
it! Amazingly the next clue was solved at lightening speed, and so they had to leave their bacon butties behind!
Our new exhibit by Gist International Hauliers with their Road Safety Demonstration programme certainly attracted plenty of interest from children and adults alike, a great chance to learn about the hazards of driving these large articulated trucks, and the limited vision the drivers have of other vehicles etc close to them. The highlight being able to climb up in the cab and get a drivers eye view. The cones set out in front showed their visual sightings, and the trucks stopping distance – I don’t think we always appreciate these things when we are being ‘held up’ by a lorry. The children also got free goody bags and high vis vests, which were so popular that Jason, Kevin and Sarah ran out of them during Monday!
The Fire Show drew the public in to their area with not only a brilliant wide range of re appliances, but also the demonstrations they
did in the ring. From BBQ res to burning car rescues, it was very visual but also sobering to see the effects – lets hope it makes us all that bit more careful.
So overall we had a good weekend, with the Sunday tops for weather and attendances by classic car entries. We would like to thank everyone who supported us whether by exhibiting, trading, paying public (who we depend on to be able to run the event of course), advertising in the programme, volunteers, etc.
We have started the initial planning for next year’s event, with entry forms being sent out in September, so please make a note in your diaries for the 4th Festival of Transport and 3rd Earls Barton Fire and Rescue Show at Whites Nurseries, 24th to 26th May 2014. We look forward to seeing you, and if anyone would like to help out, enter a vehicle or have a trade/charity/craft stall then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01604 811633,
or email :enquiries@festivaloftransport.net
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Phonebox Magazine 61
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