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Mayor Officially Opens Fair
Posted on 07/11/2007
P. Klein
7th November 2007
Thrill seekers are spoilt for choice at Loughboroughs 780th November Fair. Numerous nerve juddering rides are scattered around the Market Place, Market Street, Devonshire Square and surrounding streets.
At 4am this morning (Wednesday 7th November 2007)whilst it was still dark the surrounding streets were closed to regular traffic and in a predefined order showmen from all over the country descended onto the town centre. Working almost constantly through the early hours and the day the various rides have been erected and tested to ensure that everything was ready for the official opening that was due for 6pm.
At 5:45pm the doors of the Town Hall opened, and with due pomp and ceremony, the Mace Bearer, Peter Legg, carrying the ceremonial mace, followed by the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Joe Tormey (Labour, Lemyngton Ward ), the Deputy Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Ken Pacey J.P.(Conservative, Syston East) followed by Honorary Aldermen who were wearing dark blue robes. They made their way towards the Market Place to a fanfare of trumpets.
After another fanfare the Mace Bearer announced the speakers. The first speaker was the Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, Richard Shepherd (Conservative, Quorn and Mountsorrel). He was followed by The Chairman of the Midlands Section of the Showmans Guild of Great Britain. Finally the Mayor spoke, reading from scrolls recording the text of the Royal Charters granted by King Henry III in the 13th Century.
After the speeches, the Mayor declared the fair officially open, to a rousing cheer from the hundreds on spectators who had gathered to see the dignitries assembled for the prestigous event dressed in ceremonial robes. As is tradition for these things, the Mayor then climbed aboard the Wurlitzers. Also as is tradition, the first ride was free for children who had assembled to watch the opening ceremony.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the fair over the next few days. Many of them will have their stomachs churned by the modern vomit evoking rides. Others may be more content with the traditional rides such as the Galloping Horses or Dodgems [they used to be called bumper cars in my day - is the change due to the Health and Safety Executive? Ed]. There are others, including one local radio DJ from Oak 107 FM who will be limiting himself to Hook-a-duck! (you know who you are).
Five Facts About The Mayor of Charnwood, Joe Tormey:
- Joe was born in Moate Ireland and came to England in 1965.
- He was the Centre Manager of Fearon Hall.
- He has two daughters and one granddaughter.
- He has served on the Borough Council since 1983.
- He was elected Mayor on 21st May 2007.
The photograph albums have additional news pictures of the days events including the fair before it was set up, the official opening ceremony and pictures taken during the evening.