A Day At The Races, Three Dates For Olney & Station 109

Ready For The Off

Yesterday I arrived in Olney just in time for the start of the famous pancake race, reputedly first run in 1455. The High Street was packed with a happy crowd cheering on the ladies of the town as they ran with frying pan in hand from the Market Square to the finish near the gate of the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul.

St Peter & St Paul In Olney

I followed the race some way behind the winner who completed the historic course in less than a minute.

I was completely taken by this little character who lives in the field next to church yard.

A Shetlander In Bucks

My gloves seemed to be of great interest and I had to tuck them into my pocket. The little pony was so curious yet very gentle, I shared the thought that such ponies used to pull trucks full of coal and ore up the steepest slopes for their living.

Really Friendly & Loves Gloves

I headed back up to the Church Hall for a cup of tea and noticed this tree, I think it is a Plane Tree, a species much admired by the enigmatic artists Gilbert and George. 

Plane Trees On Church Lane

The traditional Shriving Service took place in St Peter and St Pauls, the pancakes were in the Church Hall!

The Church Rooms Of St Peter & St Paul

I liked the way the tables had been dressed with pretty yellow Primulas. Years ago I found myself in the  yard of an ancient church in Holdenby in Northants. It must have been early March, the tended grass was a mass of Primula Vulgaris in shades of pink, yellow, white and blue. It was as if someone had conspired to compose a perfect alpine meadow in the heart of England.

Spring Will Soon Be With Us

On my way back to the car parked at the head of the High Street I called in to Chic Boutique at 100a The High Street. The lovely little shop was full of vintage fashion and homewares, I found a pretty Coronation cup and saucer.

Chic Boutique In Olney

I left the bustling High Street of Olney but not before picking up this vintage French plate rack which I found in a charity shop. 

A Charity Shop Find

I headed for Rushden and my long overdue visit to Station 109 at the Rushden Antiques Centre.

I spent two and a half hours browsing and chatting to Mike, the infinitely helpful and interesting owner. 

A Fine Telephone From Station 109

I particularly liked this old telephone and an old Aquascutum 'dogs-tooth' brown suit, which sadly did not quite fit, as much as I tried to convince myself that it did. A pile of hats caught my eye. Conversation about the Twinwood Festival in August reminded me that I should pursue my interest in learning to dance. I did not return home with my perfect pair of polished tan leather boots but was cheered by an enjoyable day.

Hats Galore Again From Station 109

Lastly but by no means least I have found a new venue for the popular Olney Vintage Fair and have arranged three dates for 2012. More details in my next post! The dates have been added to the list of dates in the side-bar.

I will post again soon as the Northampton fair is less than three weeks away and it will soon be our first fair in Buckingham.