FUN OF THE FAIR

WAHROONGA TRANSFORMED FOR THE ANNUAL VILLAGE FAIR

In brilliant Australian sunshine the quiet and rather up-market shopping centre of Wahroonga on Sydney's Upper North Shore, was transformed yesterday for the Annual Village Fair which is always held in early December. Even the Car Park behind the shops seen above, was transformed into more space for stalls and entertainment for the children.The customary Mercedes Benz, BMWs and SUVs which clog the streets of this well-heeled area were left at home for the day , and most people arrived by train from surrounding suburbs.

Far more than "ten "Pipers piping

Nearby Knox College provided plenty of musical entertainment with its College Big Band which was brilliant, but the star attraction was the College Pipe Band which marched in with fine style Pipes skirling and Drums beating and formed a great circle in the midst of the throng and proceeded to play with great effect:"


WARNING : TURN YOUR VOLUME DOWN

Whilst I did not get it on video, when they played a single Piper intoduction to AMAZING GRACE and then all the Pipers skirled to join in , the effect was ELECTRIFYING - the thrill of live performance vs. recording is always marvellous.


They were a great credit to the College and everyone greatly regretted that their performance had to come to an end. For that little while I was transported in spirit back to our 2009 trip to Edinburgh and then on through the Highlands by train to Inverness.


Some distinguished folk joined us later, sadly missing the Pipers, but managing to have fun in their very special way. But sadly the weather did "a Melbourne"and in very short time clouded over and brought heavy rain . We managed to beat our own retreat just ahead of the rain. And so we came to spend the rest of the day freezing - SUMMER in the days of GLOBAL FREEZING. This Spring just passed, has apparently provided the coldest introduction to Summer in 51 years! 


For all that, we had a great day!