Saturday 15 September 2012

Black Country Boating Festival

We've had another beautiful sunny day and the fine weather brought the public out in their droves.  The festival has been extremely busy and is very popular with the local residents.



This beautifully restored organ was powered by this replica steam traction engine which took 25 years to build.


One of my favourite stalls was the Midland Bird of Prey Rescue society.  They had several owls on display and at first I thought this Tawny Owl was stuffed as it stood so still and didn't blink for a long time. It made me jump when it turned it's head to stare right at me.


As beautiful as the Tawny Owl was, this little chap was my favourite. His name is Charlie and he's a 4 month old White Faced Scops Owl and is a native of the southern half of Africa. He was only about 6 ins tall and was so cute.


The Black Country Boat Festival differs from other boat festivals we've been to as it has quite a large fairground as well as the usual boaty attractions.  It was doing a roaring trade and had all the usual thrilling attractions such as the Waltzers and the Dodgems etc.


but this was more my style. I could just picture myself in that little fire engine.


The Black Country Classic Car Club were exhibiting around 20 vehicles.  This Jaguar was my favourite. The restoration must have cost an absolute fortune as it was in immaculate condition.


Tonight we're going back to sample more of the excellent ales on offer in the beer tent.  It never ceases to amaze me just how good the local ales are at these festivals.  Last night we tried a couple of beers brewed at the Old Swan pub which is about a 10 minute walk from our moorings.  Roger said the Bumblehole Ale was superb and my Black Swan mild was pretty good too.

1 comment:

Sheila said...

Like you I always like the Birds of Prey displays.
For my 60th birthday the kids clubbed together to send me for a day at the Cheshire Falconry Centre (www.cheshirefalconry.com) not far from Broken Cross. It was a fantastic day and I met all sorts of big elegant birds. But I fell for a cheeky little African Spotted Eagle Owl, only a few inches tall and with the manners of a naughty schoolboy.

All the best
Sheila
Sanity Again