Fairgrounds

[G G Jean]

Carolina I used to watch that big wheel from my back bedroom window and the different smells wafted across. Oh such happy days. Jean.

 

[carolina]

Jean it was magical wasnt it when we were kids. It shut down in 1969 and had been going for over 500 years.

 

[G G Jean]

Carolina I lived in Holte road and a lot of the fair people were our friends and mom visited the two Humphries sisters in Nuneaton until thy passed away. I used to have many free rides on the fair especially the little wheel and I remember Alan used to own that. Isn't it funny after all those years I can remember his name. I never used to get booted off he used to let me stay on. Jean.

 

[paul stacey]

Thanks for the photo, it looks just like the fair which came each year to Sennely's park, where people from Bartley green, Weoley Castle, and Woodgate would come, brings back many memories for me.
paul

 

[Kenko]

Does anyone know what month in 1961 did the Onion Fair take place? I say November my wife says October.

 

[cookie273uk]

Kenko, I lived round the corner in Queens Rd, so was a frequent visitor, seem to remember it was around September or October but no doubt some member will come up with a more precise time - it was a long time ago !! Eric

 

[Louisa]

Does anyone know what month in 1961 did the Onion Fair take place? I say November my wife says October.

It was 30 September 1961 according to photographs on the Sheffield Fairground Archive site

Louisa

 

[G G Jean]

It is still in the same place Carolina. Well it was earlier this year when we went there for the day. Never did visit the Tulip Festival Shardeen.

 

[berniew]

Leonard Road Winson Green 1934

 

[carolina]

It is still in the same place Carolina. Well it was earlier this year when we went there for the day. Never did visit the Tulip Festival Shardeen.

Yes drove past it again last night and all the lights were on. I wonder how it makes any money especially winter time.

 

[G G Jean]

:strawberry:Not sure Carolina but guess it must if it stays open. Mind you most of the caravan sites near by are open eleven months of the year and being centrally heated these days would use them in the winter.:strawberry:

 

[Phil]

The Tulip Festival later renamed the Spring Festival has been mentioned a few times, the fair was a great addition to an entertaining day. I must have visited every festival for the first 10 years at least. These photos must be from the first one as they are dated 1962.

 

[Judith morgan]

Bit of a long shot especially on an old post but here goes. I am trying to find out what happened to a man by the name of John Baguley, mother’s name I believe was Beaumont. Apparently his father ran fairs in Birmingham and I believe from gypsy/traveler background. John would be approaching or in his 70s now. He went on to the haulage world, working as an owner driver for Teamhaul and then working with a Steve Watkins from Stadhampton farm in Oxford. Very grateful for any information you may have, Thankyou.

 

[paul stacey]

Shame, Astonian, is no longer with us Judith, he knew just about everyone in some way or another, bless his memory, but I am sure someone on the Forum will be able to help. Paul

 

[Judith morgan]

Thankyou so much Paul, I realise it’s a long shot but I am trying to put a 35 year old ghost to rest in my life. Appreciate your time. Judith.

 

[A Sparks]

After doing a search on the Forum I found earlier posts about a lion escaping from the Onion Fair in Birmingham...
By chance, on a walking history tour of the cemetery local to me in London, I found out about this having occurred!

Frank C Bostock, the man who owned the lion is buried in the cemetery and I found the story here...

When a lion prowled the streets of Birmingham - BBC News

How a lion-tamer tricked a volatile crowd to prevent a riot after the escape of a ferocious big cat.

www.bbc.com

This is his grave...