Big day arrives

Finally after all the preparation of the last week, the big day had arrived. It was an early start as the dog had to be walked and the stall set up and although the official opening wasn't until 1pm, the gates opened to the public at 10am. It was still quite chilly first thing but the sun was out and it promised to be a fabulous day. And boy was it great. The support we had was phenomenal helped, no doubt, by wall to wall sunshine. Working boats Bath and Chertsey entered the lock, Bath facing forward and Chertsey facing back. It was easier to breast up like to make the way down to Anchor bridge where the band was to be picked up. Bath would then wind which meant both could came back facing the right way. Margaret (nb Icing) and I was very busy selling the bric a brac and it was surprising what people bought and took away with them. How does the saying go, what is another mans rubbish is another mans treasure. Anyway I did manage to get a few photos when there was a lull but the majority of the time I was a captive to the stall.

Some of the first public on site checking out historic boat Elezabeth.

9am and some of the stands are set up.

Push me pull me!

The band arrives in style

Jim Stevenson president of ECP&DA with Mayoresses of  Aldercar and Llangley, Amber Valley and Erewash councils officially opening the site.

Band playing

Spread laid out for the dignitaries. The top tables was for us volunteers.

Oh and by the way I didn't have to volunteer for loo cleaning duties. They were to be serviced by the company that owned them.

Tomorrow is set to be even hotter so we are hoping for another good turnout. Only one fly in the ointment, there doesn't seem to be many entries for my dog show and after ECP&DA has forked out for rosettes, prizes, doggie goodie bags and a cup it will be a pretty poor affair.