Memorandum by the Showmen's Guild of Great
Britain, South Wales Section (TF 35)
1. THE CONTINUED
VALUE OF
HISTORIC TRAVELLING
FAIRS
In the South Wales Area the historic travelling
fairs are an important part of the lives of the communities in
which they take place. They are dearly cherished in towns like
Pembroke, Brecon, Hereford, Haverfordwest and Neath where they
have been taking place for hundreds of years. The grand opening
ceremonies where the Charters are read by the Town Crier with
the Mayor of the town and those from surrounding areas attending
in their robes and regalia, is a great sight. With the unique
and very special character of a street fair, many are major tourist
attractions in an area, which relies on tourism as a major employer.
It is not just the old longstanding fairs that
are important. We must continue to seek new sites. The vital and
dynamic City of Cardiff only a few years ago introduced a fabulous
funfair into the streets of the City Centre. This is part of their
summer festival., which was designed to give great family entertainment
to residents and visitors alike. It has become an instant success
with over 200,000 people attending each year. Link this with the
well-publicised success of Millennium funfairs not only in Cardiff
but also throughout the UK and this demonstrates that the entertainment
we provide is well received and in great demand by the public.
More towns and cities therefore should be encouraged to make further
venues available to us.
With regard the Showmen themselves it is so
self evident that one feels it almost unnecessary to point out
the importance of these fairs to them and their families who earn
their living exclusively in this way.
2. THE PROVISION
OF SITES
FOR TRAVELLING
FAIRS
These fall very broadly into two areas.
(a) The streets of major towns and cities and
(b) Open areas of land such as car parks, playing
fields etc.
The retention of the traditional funfair in
the streets is essential to ensure they retain their special magic.
It would therefore be very useful if a system could be introduced
where Highways Departments etc had to consult with Showmen when
changes were being planned. Areas being pedestrianised or even
street furniture being brought in can have a serious effect on
a fair. With discussion and therefore the application of a little
knowledge and foresight, often, street furniture, planters, ornaments,
lamp standards etc can be located in such a way the fairground
rides can be accommodated: this without any major change to the
original concept of the planners.
We have experienced losses of fairs in Wales
where there have been redevelopment such as those in Clydach and
Potardawe which has not only resulted in hardship for showmen's
families but also has been a loss of amenity to these small communities.
The redevelopment of other sites sometimes means
that the funfair is seriously affected or even lost, and in these
cases consultation should be automatically in place with regard
finding alternative sites. Any site however offered for a fairground
must meet certain criteria in terms of the surface on which it
stands, entrance and egress, and be situated in an area which
is easily accessible to the public, especially those with young
families. To be placed on remote sites miles out of town is simply
not viable.
Where a site is being proposed consideration
must be given to the comfort of the families who will be staying
on site or close by when the fair is open. They require a good
surface on which to place their caravans in an area that is safe
and secure for them and their children. They also need a supply
of water and power.
3. THE PARTICULAR
NEEDS OF
TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE
IN CARRYING
OUT THEIR
TRADE
Apart from the need to have suitable places
to stay at fairs, when travelling, the showmen have very specific
needs with regard Winter Quarters.
These need not only to be safe comfortable areas
with all amenities so that Showmen and their families can have
an enjoyable life but need attached to them areas where they can
park their lorries and rides and other equipment and complete
general maintenance painting etc. Ideally, because this work takes
place in the winter it needs to be conducted in a closed or covered
area.
We feel Items 4 and 5 would be better addressed
by Keith Miller, at our Central Office and our Planning Consultants.
February 2000
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