Memorandum by Michelle Day-Leonard, Education
Liaison Officer, Western Section of the Showmen's Guild, (TF 07)
HISTORY
In the past, before the car and television,
people looked forward to the spectacular arrival of one of their
only means of entertainmentThe Travelling Fair. The travelling
showpeople from that period were as famous as the stars on our
screens today. The showpeople were not only entertainers but,
through their shows, were pioneers in instigating the public's
awareness of foreign countries, exotic animals and even world
news. They were also the first to bring the extraordinary delights
of moving pictures to the public's attention.
Showpeople played an important role through
the wars. During the First Great War, whilst the boys were away
fighting, their horses and traction engines were being used as
part of the war effort. In the Second World War, the families
the boys left behind, pulled together to run the government backed
"Holiday at Home" fairs. These fairs were held to boost
the public's morale.
Not only did many of the showpeople take part
in the various campaigns, during 1941, all the members of The
Showmen's Guild of Great Britain and Ireland, proudly donated
a Spitfire aircraft called "All the Fun of the Fair."
TODAY'S
FAIRS
Today's Fairs have progressed through the decades
to meet the public's increasing desire for excitement. Where once
stood a performing or informative show, nowadays one will find
a modern technical white knuckle ride flying through the sky.
Many thousands of people are still attending and appreciate the
value of either the small family fair visiting the local recreation
ground, or the more spectacular charter fair held in towns and
cities around the country.
The benefit of these fairs is not only to the
enjoyment of the participants. Fairs bring revenue to the local
authority or event organisers in the form of rent. The showpeople
spend in the local shops and require the services of many local
trades people. Many councils have also found it beneficial to
have fairground rides in their high streets, revitalising areas,
that have been affected by the competition from out of city shopping
centres.
CHARTER FAIRS
Charter Fairs are an integral, unique, British
Tradition and should be sold as a colourful, historical tourist
attraction to the world. Indeed would it not be a good idea to
sanction a new charter for the new millennium. The hugely successful
Mall Millennium Fair would be an ideal candidate.
These types of traditional fair are not only
one of the main sources of income to the showpeople, they are
also a great source of revenue for the councils. Showpeople pay
rent for the fairground positions and additionally, in many cases,
they have to purchase permits for their caravans, lorries, trucks
and cars.
Two problems affecting charter fairs are firstly,
the availability of fields for living wagons and surplus loads,
for the duration of the fairs occurrence. Because of housing developments,
obtainable sites are situated further and further away, placing
an extra burden on an already heavy workload.
The second problem showpeople face at charter
fairs is town centre improvements. The planning for these developments
is often obtained without any consultation with the showpeople.
Redevelopment can result in the loss of a fairground position
and the livelihood of showpeople whose family have been attending
that fair for generations.
LOCAL FUN
FAIRS
Local family fairs bring the amusements to peoples'
doorstep and are a great source of entertainment to the local
youngsters. As the public's dependency on cars becomes an increasing
expense, the appearance of a visiting fairground will be much
appreciated. However, building development has also resulted in
the loss of many local fun fair sites, unfortunately alternative
places, in the majority of cases, have not been found.
SITES
In the past showpeople could pull their wagons
and shows etc on a lay-by, in a farm field or on a common. Today
there are many restrictions and regulations preventing this. It
is a necessity for showpeople to have a base to live and run their
business. It is an essential requirement for them to be able to
have a base to maintain their rides and stalls to meet the Government's
Health and Safety requirements. It is a basic human need for showpeople
to have a base in which to be registered with a doctor and dentist.
It is also, beneficial for the education of the children of these
occupational travellers to have a base school.
EDUCATION
It is of great concern to the showpeople that
the funding for the education of their children may be cut. Generations
of showpeople have been an hardworking and self resourceful part
of the British community. However, nowadays with the increasing
regulations put on the business, extra form filling and requirements
of proof of certificates of education, showpeople need a better
education and surely have a right to an education, the same as
everyone else in the country.
FINALLY
Fairs are an important part of Britain's history
and are an important part of Britain's future. Showpeople are
a hardworking group of people, who deserve an equal and fairer
deal, especially when it comes to education and affordable sites.
February 2000
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