Remember the donkey derby? - Jay W (24th May 2012 - 15:07:08)
Was turning out a wardrobe and came across an old autograph book containing, amongst other things, autographs from the red devils who dropped down into the Rec one year at the annual donkey derby.
Anyone else have fond memories of those donkey derbies or the traction engine fairs that used to take place in the Lowsley fields off the Headley Road (where the bypass cuts through now)? Is it my nostalgic imagination or was the sun always shining on those summer days?!
Who used to organise those events? I wish I hd the necessary skills and time. We could do with something like that now - thank goodness for our hard working carnival committee keeping that tradition going. Also just read through the EHDC Partners magazine to see other communities publicising their jubilee and olympic events .................... nothing from Liphook. Shame.
Re: Remember the donkey derby? - P Weyland (24th May 2012 - 15:18:41)
yes I remember the Donkey Derbies. Think the last one mustve been in the late 70s/early 80s.
Liphook also used to have a good fair on August Bank Holiday monday that was organised by the Krazy Lads. I remember the 'dunking stall' and there used to be a Wild West re-enactment. I think the last one was about 1985. I remember I'd just left school.
Re: Remember the donkey derby? - liz (24th May 2012 - 16:04:53)
I remember riding in one of the Donkey Derbys! (Didn't win though - those donkeys could be very stubborn!).
Re: Remember the donkey derby? - Sam k (25th May 2012 - 13:47:30)
I remember the Donkey Derby....I think i was on the Ducking stool one year! And yes the sun always shone!
Re: Remember the donkey derby? - Paul E (25th May 2012 - 16:26:22)
Donkey Derbys fondly recalled down the Headly Road. A long walk then with two young children, all the way from Hazelbank Close. I seem to remember one of the Coyte family being involved, but it might just be a trick of this old mind.
Re: Remember the donkey derby? - bridget (25th May 2012 - 19:33:55)
Where else did we get our pet goldfish!
Re: Remember the donkey derby? - Jay W (25th May 2012 - 20:24:30)
Oh yes, I'd forgotten about the goldfish! We brought one home in the plastic bag and had it for years. Don't expect that's allowed any more either - mind you, probably not much fun for the goldfish being carted around the fairs.
Another thing we don't have any more are the jumble sales. The trestle tables used to be piled high in the village hall and the queues to be first in and grab the bargains were a mile long. Great place to go and rummage for teenagers on a pocket money budget!
I think it was tried as a fund raiser for the village hall a few years back but not well supported and the general consensus was that people won't go to things if they can't drive and park next door. Plus the older residents who don't drive, can't get there without the local bus transport.
