A marvellous day!
I knew yesterday was going to be special - but it exceeded all my expectations for a number of reasons!
Fantastic weather!
You’ve all read my proud boasts before that we’ve never had rain on a Farmers’ Market in Stone and it certainly didn’t rain yesterday! Blue skies and hot sunshine all day set the backdrop for a marvellous day!
Best Farmers’ Market ever!
Forty one stalls and a carnival atmosphere. Murphy’s Marbles playing in the square and the Carnival Parade passing around Christchurch Way on its way to Westbridge Park. No complaints from anyone - other than one trader who was moaning that he’d sold out and would have brought more stock had he known how good it was going to be!
Birthday specials!
And because it was my 65th birthday, I was allowed to have a day off the diet. So shortly after nine o’clock I was joined by Janet and several friends for a full fried English breakfast at an outside table at the Lounge. Two sausages, double bacon rashers, black pudding, hash browns, egg, tomato, mushrooms baked beans and fried bread - heaven!
And much to my embarrassment, later in the morning Kevin from Murphy’s Marbles called me over. I thought he wanted a quiet word about something but - no! - he immediately struck up with a round of “Happy Birthday” sung by everyone in the Market Square and the High Street. I think I blushed!
Successful end to Festival!
In the afternoon the Parade arrived in Westbridge Park to begin an afternoon of fun and frolics! And judging by the huge crowd it is obvious that holding the Farmers Market on the same day didn’t detract from the Festival’s success. In fact, it has been suggested the Market probably brought even more people into town.
Up, up and away!
And at four o’clock I joined Sue Mason for her sponsored helicopter ride. Sue had been inspired by my sponsored slim and had asked me to help her organise a sponsored helicopter ride. Sue has MS and had never flown due to her fear of flying. So we arranged sponsorship forms and today she did it! A wonderful trip with fantastic views over Stone raised over £350 for the Stone MS Society. Sue’s secret is safe with me, so when I am asked, the answer will always be ” She loved it”! She was very brave but I din’t think she’ll be repeating the experience! Fantastic, Sue - well done!
Party through the night!
So when it was all over it was back home, a quick shower and then - let the party begin! Yes, I seem to have a crowd of good friends who know how to enjoy themselves! Apologies to the neighbours! It was such a beautiful warm and calm night that we ended up on the patio until well into the small hours.
What a wonderful day!
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