As we made our way back to the main arena, we passed a small but unusual car.
Wilson ran over to it, and announced that this was his ‘Dream Car’ – the car he wanted to own when he grew up and was old enough to drive – and Byron agreed.
It had never occurred to me that a Robin Reliant would ever be anyone’s Dream Car – but then, I’d never before seen a Robin Reliant halftrack.
The boys walked round it several times, declaring it to be ‘Way Cool’ and ‘Awesome’.
I could appreciate that it would be good over rough terrain, and that if W were driving he probably wouldn’t be able to exceed any speed limits, but beyond that its appeal rather eluded me.
It must be my age.
Or my love of comfort in a car…
Next on the boys’ list of Things To Do was to win a prize on a Test Your Strength stall.
As it happened, the mallet was too heavy for them even to lift unless they carried it between them, so they appealed to me to demonstrate my virility and win a prize for them.
It will probably come as no surprise to you to learn that this demonstration of muscularity on my part ended ignominiously – the bell did not ring, although I did get seriously out of breath and had to have a bit of a sit down on the grass.
I’m not certain, but I thought I saw a fleeting look of disappointment pass briefly across Wilson’s face.
Anyway, I took the lads off to see some of the traction engines, and promised them something nice in the Refreshments Tent later…
As soon as the boys had consumed their ice-creams, they turned their attention to the Steam Organ by the entrance.
It played wonderful tunes, old and new, and the lads were transfixed.
Wilson went so far as to ask whether we could sell our television and buy a steam organ instead!
I pointed out that he wouldn’t be able to watch any of his favourite TV shows on a steam organ – Spiral… Dr Who… Jeremy Kyle…
W admitted that would be a bit of a problem, and said he might try to build his own steam organ in his ‘Museum’.
I guess I’d better keep a close watch on the kettle in the kitchen…
After we’d parked the car in a field and were making our way towards the entrance, there was a lot of noise, and I hoped the boys wouldn’t be overwhelmed or scared by everything that was going on.
Just inside the showground we were greeted by a mechanical Steam Organ and a Brass Band, each trying to outdo the other, plus a constant background noise of escaping high-pressure steam, and steam whistles and hooters.
Also a wonderful smell of burning coal such as I’d barely experienced since my childhood.
But the boys were completely unfazed by the noise, the crowds and commotion – they ran off to buy themselves ice-creams, saying that they couldn’t possibly enjoy the experience until they’d consumed some sugar and some chilled fat…
I’m sorry about the short notice, but there won’t be any blog today – as the weather is so lovely, I’m taking Wilson and Byron to a local Steam Fair at Tinkers Park!
I’ve never been before, but I’m really looking forward to it, and I think the boys are going to LOVE it!
