Dulwich Festival Fair

Dulwich Festival Fair is organised by the lovely Angela at SEMags,  fellow member of the East Dulwich WI, business owner of 3 local magazines, host of the Chateau 22 wine tasting events and involved in so many various other local bits & bobs that it would take me all day to list them.

She is one busy lady and makes me look like a total slacker.

So, when she texted me last week to check whether I was still ok to help her set up the Dulwich Festival Fair at Goose Green on Sunday, I was more than happy to do whatever she needed me to.

It was a beautiful Spring day, which made a very welcome change to the November like weather we have been experiencing so far this season.

The sun was shining when I arrived at 9am and was put to task matching the stalls with the relevant stall holders.

I nearly wet myself with excitement when I was given an official name badge to wear that said Organiser on it.  Especially as all I had done thus far was turn up with coffee!

And, I was given a clipboard!  With a spreadsheet on it that had all the pitches mapped out and who they belonged to clearly marked!  To say I was in my element was an understatement.

I walked proudly around with my official clipboard, careful not to let it obstruct anyone’s view of my official badge and graciously accepted praise and credit whenever it was misdirected at me.

I LOVED it.

The stage going up

Stalls setting up

At 11am, when the stall holders had finished setting up and the general public started to arrive, I decided to quickly pop back home to get Zachy.

“You can keep your badge on when you come back, if you like” Angela said.

“Oh, yes! I forgot I was wearing that!” I joked.

As if.  I was already planning on wearing it to family functions and whilst sorting the laundry.

The Greek God(zilla) was feeling lazy tired so did not come back with us.  Even a flash of my official badge could not sway him.

But it was ok and I took it as a good opportunity to spend some quality Mummy & son time.

We went to visit the lovely ladies on the WI cake stall.

East Dulwich WI, cake stall, Dulwich Festival Fair, Goose Green

Zachy got to sit in a real fire engine with real firemen in it, and they let them him press the siren, which made him very very happy indeed.

Spotting my official Organiser badge, one of the firemen took me to one side and as I mentally prepared myself to be briefed on a top-secret fire safety issue, he lent in and asked “couldn’t get us a couple of coffees could you, love?”.

“And some chicken” he shouted out after me as I went off promising to see what I could do, and promptly retired my beloved badge to the hood of the buggy.

Besides, there was so much more to explore as a guest!

Bouncy castles, inflatable slides and face painting for starters.  We just couldn’t get round to see it all and I’m disappointed I missed the band, the BBQ and did not get a chance to browse all the stalls.  I have saved my bank manager a call though.

Helen Jermyn Photography

Helen Jermyn Photography

There was only one way to end a fab afternoon like this.

Thank you Angela for organising such a wonderful day out.  Next year, I want my own stall!

 What should I sell on my stall next year?

 The featured illustration is by Stephen Shillito

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6 Comments

  1. May 16, 2012 / 6:39 AM

    Zachy is beautiful. What a fab day. Oliver would LOVE to sit in a real fire engine. Did you give your clipboard back? Hehe x

    • Grenglish
      Author
      May 25, 2012 / 10:53 AM

      I did give the clipboard back… but I kept the badge!

  2. May 16, 2012 / 8:09 AM

    Thanks Sarah, so glad you could help. It was a fab day. As I said in my tweet, I can spot a clipboard lover from a mile off! Have a wonderful time in New York. x

    • Grenglish
      Author
      May 25, 2012 / 10:53 AM

      Anytime Angela! You know where I am if you need me again (hint hint) xx

  3. May 17, 2012 / 8:25 PM

    What a greta day and yes I would be wearing my badge proudly all day too even if the firemen were asking me for coffee – I live in the sticks that would be considered a highlight of my week!

    • Grenglish
      Author
      May 25, 2012 / 10:49 AM

      Haha, well I live in London and it was the highlight of my week too 🙂

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