Well another dreadful June week at the
Ilfracombe Victorian Festival. Not dreadful
in terms of the spirit or the people, just the weather which has been autumnal
at least and wintery at worst. The
extraordinary group of replica Victorians who organise and promote this wonderful week have
yet again provided a fabulous fantasmagoria of festivities, and most make or
source their own costumes and props. But
what is most remarkable is their spirit.
They are warm and welcoming, creative and kind. I watched them closely in the Finale Ball last
night and my heart warmed to their gentle eccentricity and the genuine friendship
they showed me and each other. If there
is a way such a spirit can defeat the enemy of the weather then we do stand a
chance of victory.
This has been the second year I have been
here and along with many of Britain’s towns it has the feel of a place in
wartime. And in wartime British people try to
make the best of things, put on a brave face, show the stiff upper lip, keep
right on till the end of the road. The
big difference is that in wartime there’s a sense of hope because we might win,
we might see the bluebirds again. But
how can we win against the onslaught of the changing climate? There’s no real enemy. OK we can do our bit,
separate the rubbish, bike instead of car, change our boilers and insulate the
house but somehow all that seems a drop in the ocean when whole countries are
not doing the same.
It doesn’t mean that we don’t do it though.
For my part I am spending a small fortune next week having particulate
filters fitted to the lorryhome (check them out if you’re interested on http://www.astra-vt.com/Pages/CCRF_technology.html
). This will mean my conscience can
breath easily and maybe those following me down the motorway can too!
It also means I can travel into central London
without having to pay Boris’ Emission Zone charge of £200 a day. Which is where I will be next week on the
common at the Wimbledon Village Fair.
Let’s hope the weather has improved by then, but we wont hold our
breath. Except that you wont have to any
more if you’re following me down the M6.
See you on the road sometime. Do wave or beep if you’re a friend….
Mr Alexander's Travelling Show
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