Dear Members
It is again my pleasure to write to you at this time - a letter which is probably longer than normal - so eyes down and look in as they say!

We all enjoyed an excellent year of events in 2004 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of our Charter. In fact, it was more than just a year of celebration: but a time of challenge, ably taken up by many of our townsfolk to keep the Fair going for years to come.

Well, now we have another time for celebration and contemplation. As the Bailiff, and I know that my predecessor, Norman, would have agreed with me, I am well aware that the fair cannot exist on its own. Even more important in this day and age is the need for active support for it and all that means to us.

Way back in 1967 the Fair, and particularly the Proclamation Ceremony, was going through a very difficult time. Lack of support in some quarters and downright opposition in others meant that some of us could see the possibility of it all coming to an end. Well, we were not prepared to let that happen and so a town meeting was called on leap year day in 1968 and, thanks to the wonderful support, the Rowell Fair Society was born. One of the main aims of the Society is to actively promote the Fair and its traditions. It has certainly achieved that aim! Thousands of pounds have been spent since then in staging, events to put the Fair and the Town well and truly on the map.

So leap year day 2008 will be another special day for us. The Society is now one of the largest organisations in the town and so we cannot let this 40th anniversary pass by without due merit being paid.

So, just to whet your appetite as it were, let me mention a few things which have already been, or are in the process of being arranged for your enjoyment.

You are all invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Society to be held in the Tresham Hall on 29the February 2008. Not just another boring AGM but an AGM with a difference. We shall, of course, need to have the business side of the meeting, but this will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

We do, however, have a very special guest coming to join us and talk about his life and work.

Those of you who, like me, still enjoy “Last of the Summer Wine” will remember Compo’s son, Tom Simmonite appearing, as his long, lost son. That character was played by Compo’s real life son, Tom Owen, and I am delighted to say that we have been able to engage his services for the evening. There is a cost involved, of course, to have such a celebrity with us but that is being borne by the society. So, you are invited to join us to listen to him. For members, the evening is free - £5 for non-members - and I am sure that it will be an evening to remember. Tickets are strictly limited to 200 so get in quick!

What other plans, I hear you ask?
We want to give the Fair Week a “ruby” twist with the Car Parade, live music around the town a civic procession and of course, a cake!

Do you have any photographs of the 1968 Fair which we could borrow for the exhibition? It would be interesting to see which of the showmen were here then. Were you born in 1968 or even married in 1968 (especially around the time of the Fair in late May early June?) Let us know as it will be a time for us all to join in the festivities.

And finally Ladies, and Gentlemen, whilst enjoying ourselves and celebrating 40 years it will also be time to look to the future. We really need to find members who are willing and able to continue the work of the Society. For a start, let us set our sights on10 years in the future - half a century for the Society - and then ensure that our ancient street fair, and all that it stands for in this town, continues for many years to come. Have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year and please join us as often as you can for our “Ruby” celebrations.

FROM BOB THE BAILIFF

Robert Denton.

As a special treat for our 40th year the Society has purchased a model of Burell Showman’s Engine No. 2668 ‘Britannia’. Decorated in William Thurston’s livery. This model will be first prize in our grand raffle. Other prizes will be announced at the AGM and the draw will take place at Rowell Fair.

Tickets will be limited to 500 & will be only £1 each.

Straw Bear Trip Saturday 12th January
Could any one who has not paid Alan Marlow their £10, please pay him as soon as possible.

The £10 fare includes a buffet lunch at the Pick up time is 8:50 at Veevers (TA Bros)Chip Shop, Desborough and 9:00 Market Square, Rorhwell. We plan to leave after the last parade, at about 5:00pm.

AGM Friday 29th February.
Special Guest speaker Tom Owen

7:30 for 8:00 in Tresham Hall.

See Bob’s article for more information.

The attendance for the AGM is limited to 200. Members fully paid up for 2007 qualify for free a ticket. However to help with the allocation of tickets a booking fee of £1 will be required when you pick up your tickets, this will be returned to you at the AGM. Tickets for members will be available after the 7th January and tickets for the general public will be on sale from the 1st February at £5.00 each from the Conservative Club and Phoenix Print, School Lane.

Wednesday March 12th
We are pleased to welcome back James Burton to talk about and value your antiques and collectables.

So go up in to the roof and search through the boxes and we may have a true antiques road show moment when your granny’s old jug is worth a fortune.

No books please. Meeting in the Conservative Club Lounge from 8 o’clock. New members welcome.

Thursday 24th April
Rob Foxon has agreed to come and entertain us again this year. Rob enjoys coming to Rowell, because it make a nice change for him to show off some other films from his collection, rather than railway movies.

This year the title of his show in honour of our Ruby anniversary is Post War Brittain with a Taste of the Sixties.

We will start at 8 o’clock in the Tresham Hall. New members welcome.

Wednesday 14th May
Showman’s Night. Details in our next newsletter

A message from your secretary
As final note I would like to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. I would also like to thank all the members who come to our evenings, when I see the room full and everyone enjoying themselves it makes it worth all the work organising every thing.

A special vote of thanks must go to your committee

for all the help they give me throughout the year, also Alan and Margaret at Phoenix Print for their help with the newsletter. Alan and Margaret Marlow for their work with the membership and coach trips. Doreen Eastland and Phyllis Dines for sorting and delivering the newsletters. Frank York and Mark Spendlove with members evening raffles. Sue Johnson and Diane Spendlove for the Society Christmas tree. But most of all yourselves.

Richard Messinger

ROWELL FAIR DATES
Rowell Fair opens Saturday May 17th 2008

The reading of the Proclamation is

Monday 19th May at 6am