For anyone that knows me they will know that one of my top summer activities is visiting village fairs. I love the feeling of stepping back in time and the simple fun of things like the coconut shy, lucky dips and tombolas.
With the last Bank Holiday upon us we set off to visit the Donkey Derby in Godstone, Surrey. It was everything I love about a village fair, lots of stalls to browse, cream tea tents, Punch and Judy and the added bonus of the donkey races.
The children loved picking a donkey to cheer long and watched them race over the finish line. They sat mesmerised at the Punch and Judy show and had a couple of rides on the monkey swings.
We had our obligatory cream tea under canvas while the children tried their hand at hand spinning and now know where the song ‘wind the bobbin up’ comes from.
The highlight of number five’s day was the ornate wooden organ that he stood by for ages dancing to and popping pennies into the pot.
It was a lovely way to round off the summer holidays and now roll on the Christmas markets.
Me too! I love a fête. Use to be a ‘Riddlesdown Fun Day’ on the drowns every year, but seems to have stopped the last couple of summers. Was a Punch & Judy, Face Painting, Tractor & Donkey Rides, caterpillar/butterfly preservation stall etc. Had a real community feel. Would love to see it revived!
Oh no what a shame! To be honest I’ve not heard of it so maybe there was it enough publicity for it x
I used to LOVE those wooden organs when I was younger. They would always be at fairs or big events. How cool to watch the donkey races as well. This looks like such a great day out x
I’ve never seen an organ like it before. You can hire it and I was really trying to think of an event I could use it for!! X
What a lovely day, like you I always try to attend our local village events, they are so much fun and have a friendly atmosphere. I find learning the origins of English saying and songs fascinating, glad you uncovered one here. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
They are such lovely events to attend aren’t they. It was so lovely that the children could take part in such an old English tradition like spinning x
wow that organ looks fab, very pretty and great for the children to see. I have not seen a Punch and Judy show in years, use to love them, so funny, and jokes aimed at both children and adults #countrykids
I’ve never seen an organ like it, it was so ornate. I must admit I enjoyed Punch and Judy more than the kids!! X