Ilkeston - Boats And
Bands
w/e 19 August 2007
All
this week's pictures were taken with a Kodak DX6490
The weekend of 4th/5th August saw at least two social gatherings
in Ilkeston; there were probably more that I am unaware of. The
first Erewash Canal Festival took place on both Saturday and
Sunday and as we were near the Pavilion playing fields at Cotmanhay
late on Saturday morning, we thought we would be just in time
for the opening. Unfortunately final preparations were still
be made so we followed the signs to the "Boats & Bands"
along the canal and found that only two narrow boats had taken
advantage of the advertised free moorings.
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The bands were to perform at the Bridge Inn but here too we were
too early to hear them play. Other signs warned of "Uneven
Ground" and the said ground did my injured ankle few favours
so we returned to the playing fields via another route along
roads and footpaths.
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Here we did find some more boats but these were of the model
variety and were part of a selection displayed by the Nottingham
Model Boat Club. There were several other stalls and stands ranging
from the PDSA to the Erewash Canal Society and other entertainments
such as Circus Skills were being prepared for later on Saturday
and the following day when there was also a car boot sale.
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There was a funfair on the site and I am led to believe that
the whole event was well received and regarded as a success.
Time will tell whether it will become an annual event but on
this particular Saturday, I spent the rest of the day at home
resting my aching leg. I'd walked much further than I had intended
and was paying the price so a return visit to the Festival later
was soon ruled out.
We could have returned on Sunday but instead opted for a more
leisurely excursion to Victoria Park where we were able to sit
and enjoy a Brass Band concert instead.
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The concert was given by the town's own Ilkeston Brass. If you
are wondering why the band was not in the bandstand, the answer
is simple. The floor of the bandstand has been condemned and
is in need of urgent repairs. It is to be hoped that the Council
can find enough money in their coffers to divert in this direction
as the bandstand is a focal point of the many events that are
held in the park.
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This particular concert was in aid of Motor Neurone Disease and
a number of stalls were helping to raise funds. Cuddly toys for
the children and plants for the garden were on sale and the refreshment
stall selling slices of home made cakes was popular with everyone.
But it was the music that most people had come to hear and
the fact that the bandstand was not in use meant that it was
possible to get up close (but not too personal) with the musicians.
For details of more concerts by Ilkeston Brass, see their website.
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