Organs at Shabbington

It turned out a lovely day for Shabbington Rally. Of course I could have taken dozens of photos, but I have chosen to show just a few here which I found unusual. Of course there were rows and rows of vintage cars, tractors and motorbikes in addition to the traction engines.

However it was this amazing Showman's Living Van that caught my eye. (Note: a left click on any of my photos should enlarge them to show more detail.)

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There was so much decoration on every single part....hardly anywhere was left untouched.

However, the surprise here was to be found inside......

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A small organ. I couldn't get a close look but with 16 melody pipes up front, it seemed a rather unusual one. Most organs show a odd number of pipes, 11 or 13 etc. ...the largest in the centre and an equal number either side. But this little fellow had 8 on one side and 7 on the other side of the central pipe.

It is not part of the original van as it was used for living in. I expect the little organ was rescued from the centre of some fairground ride.

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I took this last photo of the Bruder Organ because the scroll work is very similar to the decoration on mine and I was looking for some ideas for colour schemes etc.

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"Carousel of Time"

This is a Victorian hand-turned ride for children and is now owned by Flyte Entertainments based just 'up the road' from me.

It was originally built by Halstead's of Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire in 1898.

The ride is traditionally decorated using gold leaf and cut-glass mirrors are arranged around the centre.

If you remember watching "Challenge Anneka" with Anneka Rice. you may have seen this carousel on one of her programmes.

Talking of Fairgrounds reminds me of a poem by Pam Ayres which I always found amusing. I will give you the first verse.

 "Madbrains Watkins was his name,

He was a proper cave.

He had a little travelling’ fair,

And the roundabout he drove.

He had to wind the handle,

Which he did at such a pace,

That dobs of oil shot off the chain,

And stuck upon your face!"

I am sure the little Victorian Carousel causes no such offense.