SEWARDS OF PETERSFIELD

Engineer, Threshing and Haulage Contractors
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A Procession through the village

A Procession through the village

Victoria waiting for the procession to start at Liss station with three minature steam enginesVictoria at the Newman Collard playing fields in Liss with the Boeing Chinook in the backgroundImpromptu fly pass by Dakota at Liss CarnivalChinook taking off over Victoria
Top: Victoria waiting for the procession to start at Liss station with three minature steam engines | Upper Mid: Victoria at the Newman Collard playing fields in Liss with the Boeing Chinook in the background | Lower Mid: Impromptu fly pass by Dakota at Liss Carnival | Bot: Chinook taking off over Victoria

In common with communities all over Great Britain, June is carnival month in our home village of Liss with this years procession taking place on the 11th of the month so not wanting to miss any opportunity to take Victoria and her constant travelling companion, the living wagon out, we duly spruced her up, decorated her front lamps with union flags and joined in with the festivities.

The carnival procession gathered at the station and the car park was transformed in something resembling a circus with clowns, marching bands and various vintage vehicles preparing for the off. Victoria was not the only steam engine present as we were joined by three rather fine models which added to the atmosphere. The start time was advertised as 1 o’clock but as is not unusual in Liss the level crossing gates were closed so everyone had to wait for the Portsmouth bound train to depart before the band could step off. Victoria brought up the rear of the parade giving credence to the old adage of keeping the best until last. The village centre was filled with people who as per usual were all rather caught unawares by the engines whistle, giving a communal gasp as it was blown! The procession eventually arrived at the recreation ground where there were stalls, refreshments and arena events. The other main attraction had arrived earlier in the morning in the shape of a massive Chinook helicopter brought over from a nearby R.A.F. station for people to look over and children to dream of flying, it was a spectacular sight when it eventually departed for its home at the end of the afternoon, flying low over the engine and giving the impression of just missing the chimney. What a contrast in technologies.

It was only a short trip home where we parked up, cleaned up and looked forward to our next outing in a fortnights time.