Weekend success despite weather

Date published: 23/06/2008

Despite atrocious and unseasonal weather conditions on both Saturday and Sunday, the Rossendale Weekend brought out plenty of supporters and a good time was had by all! Most visitors stoicly refused to let the conditions dampen their enthusiasm, and entered into the spirit of the Food Fair at Rawtenstall Market on Saturday, and the Mela and Rural Fair at Marl Pits on Sunday.

The weekend got off to a great start with a bright and varied display of Scarecrows in shop windows, businesses, and all around the Indoor Market. The Scarecrows were judged by the Mayor, Councillor Christine Gill, and her daughter, the Mayoress.

1st Prize - Market - went to Jane (Pet Food)

1st Prize - Shop - went to Boots

2nd Prize to the Cancer Research Shop on Bank Street, and 3rd Prize to Pets Corner on Bank Street. Well done to all who took part!

Joan Whiteley, Chair of Rawtenstall Market Trust, who has organised this event for the last 4 years was pleased with the success of Saturday. In spite of the weather, there was  a good turnout during the day. She said: " There was a lovely friendliness through the day. It  was a real family fun day, with all ages joining in with the entertainment provided throughout the day."

After an enjoyable 4 years organising this event, Joan is now retiring to give her time to other ventures. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her hard work.

The Food Fair, organised by Catherine Taylor of Rossendale B. C. also did really well, with all the stall holders doing steady business throughout the day. Probably the heavy rain in the afternoon brought things to an earlier halt than planned, but everyone who came had something to take away - both savoury and sweet.

Amazingly, the rain moved away during Saturday night, but was replaced by some of the windiest weather seen at this time of year - gusts of 60 mph were recorded on the coast and the effects were felt at Marl Pits. Stall holders who had planned to use gazebos on the field found they could not secure them, so a camaraderie arose to accommodate everyone in the marquees, which resulted in a cosy, good natured atmosphere all afternoon. Again, a steady stream of visitors tried out games, gambled with tombolas, had faces painted, hands hennaed, scoffed home made burgers and buns, drooled over chocalate fountains, gathered information, and even played a few drums at the drumming workshop, before relaxing with some Reiki and massage tasters!

The live music for the afternoon was anchored by some high quality country music from Bob Morgan's Western Reunion, supported by Pixy-led and Dance Annapurna. The afternoon was closed out by local ICE band.  In between Rossendale Dog Training Club coped admirably with the wild conditions to show off their dogs (or the dogs showed off their handlers!)

Local community web site, Ask Rossendale, were involved in both Saturday and Sunday's events. Proprietor, Margaret Wight commented:" We enjoyed both days, and saw them as really good community events. It was a shame that the weather spoiled things a bit, because a lot of hard work had been put in organising it all, but we met some great people, and made some good contacts. We hope that next year the weather will be kinder and many more people and organisations will take part ."