Friday evening last week and the boss and I head for the bright lights of the big city, well, Ely to be precise. The Boss had bought tickets for the Christmas Fair in Ely Cathedral, lots of stalls selling all manner of lovely things from hand-made books, ceramics, clothing, in fact all the usual craft fair suspects but in what is a truly fantastic setting.
Outside a carousel played its own fairground style music and put on a spectacular tungsten light show with not a laser in sight and it all contributed to the atmosphere of the evening all the people visiting seemed in a happy and relaxed mood with nobody I overhead talking about egotistical politicians. That's refreshing situation in itself and the only thing missing was somebody selling freshly roasted chestnuts.
The fair itself wasn't over-crowded and you could actually get around the layout easily and find time to talk to the stallholders about their wares. It goes without saying that the Boss bought some small and interesting presents and it was a truly pleasant way to spend a few hours and the experience was beautifully completed by the Cathedral choir singing carols.
Goodness me, Scrooge himself was almost, well briefly, in the 'Christmas Spirit' just then.
Another lovely post John. Thank-you. Your mention of chestnuts brought back memories. In the days before strip malls, my mother would take me downtown for shopping. During Christmas season, street vendors would sell chestnuts, from carts, each equipped with a little steam whistle. Like a teapot. Sounds and smells of a bygone era (1940's).
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ReplyDeleteThe same in North East England, in the run up to Christmas the vendors had wheeled barrows and coke glowing red-hot and the chestnuts were cooked on a grid over the coals. Early fifties for me, they'd do a roaring trade now but I think Health and Safety would prevent someone's initiative. Regards, John
The Cathedral of the Fens
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ReplyDeletefantastic building, three times we've tried to climb the lantern but the weather has been against us each time. That's why I did my print 'Stairway to heaven'. I think there are three left. Anyway, worth a day of anyones time but aren't they all. John