Carters Steam Fair

Time for us to take our cameras out for a walk again, and so on a miserable damp Sunday evening (13th May 2007 to be precise) Ed and myself toodled up to have a look at Carters Steam Fair at Pinkneys Green. I had never been to this fair before and didn't know what to expect, and with the gloomy weather didn't hold out much hope of getting any photos worth using. The one plus point of the gloomy weather of course was that it kept the crowds away, and so we were able to get photographs without some little blighter encasing our lenses with Candyfloss! The first thing that struck me when I got there was just how immaculate every bit of machinery was. As soon as there was a brief lull in the drizzle, there was a flurry of activity, with rags full of Brasso being vigorously rubbed over any shiny metal part. Naturally of course I was soon drawn to these aforementioned shiny surfaces as shiny = reflections. Something of a favourite subject for me.

There is something about the noise and smells of the old steam engines that make us go all nostalgic. Not surprising really as there is something magical about steam power, you never get tired of the gentle chuffing and the giddy aroma of hot oil lubricating the moving metal parts. Some how it is not the same listening to a rattly diesel as you choke on its putrid fumes. Not all progress has been for the better in my humble opinion. Of course, with so much engineering on show, Ed was spellbound. He seemed to get a bit miffed after I told him that these bits of kit were built when engineering was done properly in this country. Things were built to last, and last they have, not like this modern breed of engineers, who think they have done well to make things last for 5 years!

I'm afraid my delicate disposition stopped me from going on any of the rides, but anyone who went on them seemed to enjoy them immensely. The Steam Yachts dating from 1921 were particularly appealing with the Stars and Stripes, and Union Jack painted on the underneath of them. Now that is attention to detail, painstakingly painting a flag on each yacht, that is only seen by people on the ground not those actually taking the ride. The Dive Bomber from 1958, looked pretty vertigo inducing so gave that one a wide berth as well! Last of the all action Dare Devils me!

So, despite a not too optimistic start to the evening, it turned out pretty well. I enjoyed myself, and even with the weather being against us there were still photos to be taken. Next time Carters comes to Maidenhead I would recommend you go along and have a look, I just wish I was brave enough to go on the rides, as I bet you could get some good photos whilst you were on them. Dave

-- DaveMundy - 24 Aug 2007