The 2015 Welton Soapbox Derby start line Last weekend (20th June) saw the Welton Soapbox Derby turn the normally quiet village into a centre of attention truly worthy of the BBC Radio Northampton outside news crew covering the event.
Regular readers will know that I went last year (read my 2014 review) and, despite the pouring rain, I was determined to enjoy this year’s event too.
What is it about Summer Saturday weather in Daventry? The previous Saturday saw the Daventry Motorcycle Festival subjected to Heaven-sent, water-based abuse - typically followed by a lovely sunny Sunday. This weekend saw a repeat meteorological performance, but where the rain affected the motorbike turnout, there was no such reduction in attendance at the Welton Village Fair.
The format for the derby followed last year’s structure with some notable improvements to spectator safety, the obvious presence of the media and the arrival of Ben Cohen, the Saints/England rugby star (and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity contestant).
The downhill time trialling began at around 1:30pm although all racers needed to be present earlier in order for their vehicles to be scrutineered and deemed safe (enough) by Halfords.
Once again, the imagination, sense of humour and engineering consideration was clearly evident and I wandered around parc ferme taking photos of my favourite soapboxes (see below).
Racers took turns to attempt/complete the course and their efforts were logged and positioned in a league table. There was a speed trap and I understand that 20+ miles per hour wasn’t unusual. Unsurprisingly there were a few accidents (some rather spectacular) and a greater number of near misses and soapbox failures.
Whenever The Trotters Independent Traders vehicle was brought to the start line, the theme tune to “Only Fools and Horses” was broadcast over the public address system to accompany the descent. I sang along (I mean who wouldn’t) much to the chagrin of my daughter.
At times the rain was really heavy; it was during a downpour that I came face to face with Ben Cohen, I was tempted to ask for a photo but he looked a bit pissed off (to be fair, he was getting pissed on, meteorologically speaking) so I resisted the urge to ask for a selfie, or for a signature on the Saints shirt I was wearing. He’s a much bigger bloke than I am and, though he’s an anti-bullying campaigner, I wouldn’t want to get on his wrong side. Maybe next year I’ll get lucky!
The Welton Village Fair was a great success in my opinion, it was colourful, exciting, fun and well organised; my appreciation goes out to all those responsible for making it happen.
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Click on the pictures below to enlarge them. Higher resolution shots are available, get in touch if you want one emailed to you.
Regular readers will know that I went last year (read my 2014 review) and, despite the pouring rain, I was determined to enjoy this year’s event too.
What is it about Summer Saturday weather in Daventry? The previous Saturday saw the Daventry Motorcycle Festival subjected to Heaven-sent, water-based abuse - typically followed by a lovely sunny Sunday. This weekend saw a repeat meteorological performance, but where the rain affected the motorbike turnout, there was no such reduction in attendance at the Welton Village Fair.
The format for the derby followed last year’s structure with some notable improvements to spectator safety, the obvious presence of the media and the arrival of Ben Cohen, the Saints/England rugby star (and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity contestant).
The downhill time trialling began at around 1:30pm although all racers needed to be present earlier in order for their vehicles to be scrutineered and deemed safe (enough) by Halfords.
Once again, the imagination, sense of humour and engineering consideration was clearly evident and I wandered around parc ferme taking photos of my favourite soapboxes (see below).
Racers took turns to attempt/complete the course and their efforts were logged and positioned in a league table. There was a speed trap and I understand that 20+ miles per hour wasn’t unusual. Unsurprisingly there were a few accidents (some rather spectacular) and a greater number of near misses and soapbox failures.
Whenever The Trotters Independent Traders vehicle was brought to the start line, the theme tune to “Only Fools and Horses” was broadcast over the public address system to accompany the descent. I sang along (I mean who wouldn’t) much to the chagrin of my daughter.
At times the rain was really heavy; it was during a downpour that I came face to face with Ben Cohen, I was tempted to ask for a photo but he looked a bit pissed off (to be fair, he was getting pissed on, meteorologically speaking) so I resisted the urge to ask for a selfie, or for a signature on the Saints shirt I was wearing. He’s a much bigger bloke than I am and, though he’s an anti-bullying campaigner, I wouldn’t want to get on his wrong side. Maybe next year I’ll get lucky!
The Welton Village Fair was a great success in my opinion, it was colourful, exciting, fun and well organised; my appreciation goes out to all those responsible for making it happen.
Blog Home
Blog Library
Home
Click on the pictures below to enlarge them. Higher resolution shots are available, get in touch if you want one emailed to you.
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