Time too for the Northern A and P Association Show, and what better photo to open the fair with, than a view from the Rangiora Showgrounds, across the Ashley River willow plantings to the Ashley Downs in the middle distance. On a clear day you can see Mt Grey, but today, it remained shrouded. You must imagine it - centre stage, filling the page.
A fair for a rural farming community: machinery for the farmers, fairground rides for the townsfolk.
There were displays of horse flesh,
produce...
and floral skill.
There was something for everyone:
and food of all descriptions.
And of course there was livestock:
and animal by-products...
There were also vehicles of every description:
(showing their true colours)
and wouldn't this one be nice to take us home at the end of the day.
You haven't mentioned the Rugby, remarks Lady Mondegreen, as I bring Labour Weekend to a close.
Oh, I never mention the Rugby, but I shall make an exception this once.
How could I not enjoy the Carnival atmosphere that has prevailed in this country for the last six weeks? How could I not enjoy being employed to dance for England at the Christchurch Fanzone? How could I not enjoy meeting travelling fans from around the World? How could I not enjoy all the flags a-flying from cars (and jeeps) everywhere - admittedly with an All Black dominance? What a great way to learn your flags of the world! And yes I understand that the final game was frustrating, but not understanding much else, I was entranced by the haunting karakia calling our men onto the field; by the tears on grown men's faces as their respective anthems were sung, by the veiled provocation of the haka. Then the despair of injury and lost opportunity on both sides, and the exultation of the Whitebaiter, brought in from his nets, to kick the winning goal. I enjoyed very much, the voluptuous pronunciation by the commentator, of the French players' names, as well as his mellifluous ease with our Pacific Island names. I enjoyed the tenderness of Bernard Lapasset, IRB Chairman, towards both the injured Frenchmen and the New Zealanders, as he presented their medals. I enjoyed it all. My first rugby game and I was gripped.
6 comments:
Well done NZ for the rugby.
The show reminds me of the delights
of Spring as we head towards winter as the days shorten and the weather gets colder. Thanks for this happiness.
It's a pleasure. Spring really is beautiful here this year with frequent rain growing the grass faster than I can mow it!
I love how "small" the world is here on the internet.. that could have been photographed a mile for here!
lovely
It's neat isn't it John - when through the romance of other peoples' lives (funnier, quainter, more dramatic) we also see the familiar and congruent.
The curious hen - who didn't get a prize - made me think of the old biddy in your header photo :-)
It was such a fun day! Though the ferris wheel was scarier than I expected....
LittleLadyM, I'm sure that's my fault! I was heavily pregnant with you when I had my first ferris wheel ride. I was scared stiff, while your dad sitting next to me remained fearless.
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