The Onion Fair

[Richarddye]

There seem to be (at least) two engines named Goliath, but I think the one you remember would be at https://www.steam-up.co.uk/mclaren/mclaren_dh2482.htm

Mike, very informative link! Thank you

 

[Radiorails]

Unlikely to see this Goliath at the Onion Fair, South Devon is its home.

 

[Richarddye]

View attachment 148503
Unlikely to see this Goliath at the Onion Fair, South Devon is its home.

Great pic RR!

 

[Eric Gibson]

My recollection of the Onion Fair is a bit embarasing.
I'd just returned from National Service, went with my wife and leaving the fair she was walking just behind me I reached back and took her hand , we walked on for several paces then I turned to speak to her and it wasn't her but another lady, contentedly holding on, my wife still a couple of paces back grinning.

 

[G G Jean]

This is my dad looking at what I think was Goliath.

 

[Richarddye]

My recollection of the Onion Fair is a bit embarasing.
I'd just returned from National Service, went with my wife and leaving the fair she was walking just behind me I reached back and took her hand , we walked on for several paces then I turned to speak to her and it wasn't her but another lady, contentedly holding on, my wife still a couple of paces back grinning.

Way to go Eric

 

[raz ullah]

Hi all i am born and bred in Clifton Road Aston and i was that excited when the Onion Fair came to Aston watching the caravans coming up Park Road and i remember the Wall of Death and the smell of the fuel in the motorbikes best of all was watching your candyfloss being prepared going round in the machine it was great and we would come home filthy Good Days Raz x

 

[G G Jean]

Hi Raz and welcome. Living in Holte road I used to hang out of the back bedroom window and watch and smell the fair from there after ten o'clock.

 

[RobT]

This is my dad looking at what I think was Goliath.

Sorry this engine is Burrell Showmans Road Locomotive, 3651 "Earl Kitchener" - Built in 1915, HR 3964

This is Goliath

 

[G G Jean]

Fantastic photo Rob. Do you remember the Barrel Organ?. I have a replica my dad bought and it actually plays music. Will take a photo and post it tomorrow sometime.

 

[Radiorails]

Fantastic photo Rob. Do you remember the Barrel Organ?. I have a replica my dad bought and it actually plays music. Will take a photo and post it tomorrow sometime.

Is that the organ fondly known as a 'hurdy gurdy'?

 

[G G Jean]

Yes I think so?. Were they Dutch do you know?.

 

[Radiorails]

The barrel organs I had in mind were small and pushed along like a handcart. But there were many ogans in many places. This web site is interesting.

Barrel Organs

Barrel Organs

mus-col.com

 

[G G Jean]

I have taken a photo of it but will have to reduce it in size. Thanks for the link Radiorails.

 

[G G Jean]

This is my replica Barrell organ that actually plays music.

 

[Smudger]

This is my replica Barrell organ that actually plays music.

Looks nice Jean but slightly out of focus.

 

[RobT]

This although NOT the Onion Fair, Should bring back many memories of Pat Collins Funfair, and the Wonderland 98 Key Marenghi Organ, also shown the Traction Engine 'The Leader' which was at the Onion Fair many times.

 

[G G Jean]

Looks nice Jean but slightly out of focus.

Pete took that one Smudger!!. I have to downsize mine as it won't attach.

 

[Radiorails]

This is what I believe is was known as a hurdy gurdy.
Barrel organs have cylinders to make them work, the Marenghi type used 'books' of continuous punched card (early computer I guess )

 

[Josephine Chapman]

each:Think it was the Autumn Eric as there was always a chill in the air but we soon warmed ourselves up. My neighbor and moms friend May Chapman always cooked the Venison and sometimes did a pig on a spit. Oh yes Happy days had by all.each:

What number did your mum live at? My gran was called May Chapman and I wonder if it’s the same May.