Horse Fair/Traveller Fair in East Anglia over Easter???

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zoeshiloh

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www.stowmarketanddistrictridingclub.com
Firstly, please don't let this turn into a nasty thread about travellers etc...

I just wondered if anyone had heard of any sort of gathering over the Easter bank holiday? The reason I ask is because over the weekend a proper Gypsy came through our village, and camped just up the road. When I say 'proper gypsy' I mean horse drawn wagons (looked AMAZING). They were there for a couple of days then headed East. It made me wonder then if some sort of fair was scheduled, as you don't see the old wagons very often.

Then, yesterday we stopped at a local Tesco and there were loads of caravans (pulled by transit vans) at the petrol station. They were obviously travellers (you can tell by the clothes/accent/manner) and they were also heading east along the A14. I have this morning seen more travellers on the move, and showmen, all heading east along the A14.

So, is anyone aware of a gathering/event?? I know Watton doesn't happen any more (and I think that was May and September anyway?) but I just wondered if anything else had been planned in it's wake, or whether this was just a coincidence.
 
Sorry - this might be completely a stab in the dark but did they have a black/dark horse tied to the left hand side of the caravan? A few weeks ago they there was one 'caravan' being pulled by one or two horses - can't remember now and one tied and walking alongside the caravan. Not sure how far they had come but then went from Royston area, through to Abington and then onwards - I guess they could be in your neck of the woods now?

They were very well cared for, had a nice amount of weight on and turned out well. Nice to see the 'old style' gypsys about.
 
There were two caravans - one large and one small. The large was being pulled by a gorgeous skewbald that had enough weight on to enter the showring! The smaller was being pulled by a piebald of similar stature. There was a small black/dark grey youngster tied to the side of the bigger caravan - slightly welshy face. They were polite, friendly, the horses was immaculate - well brushed with decent weight on. It was a lovely site to see, but I didn't have my camera with me, and didn't want to ask them to stop so that I could take a picture.
 
The only one know of is in the other direction, in Kent
Horse Fair
Kent horse Fair & Auction. 10th & 11th April 2010. Fair and auction open to the public.
Auctioning of horses, ponies, carts, harnesses and boxes etc. Traditional gypsy horses and wagons. Trade stalls welcome, auction starts at 1:30pm Sun 11th, ring for details.
Raspberry Hill Park Farm, Raspberry Hill Lane, Iwade, Sittingbourne, Kent. ME9 8SL
 
zoeshiloh said:
There were two caravans - one large and one small. The large was being pulled by a gorgeous skewbald that had enough weight on to enter the showring! The smaller was being pulled by a piebald of similar stature. There was a small black/dark grey youngster tied to the side of the bigger caravan - slightly welshy face. They were polite, friendly, the horses was immaculate - well brushed with decent weight on. It was a lovely site to see, but I didn't have my camera with me, and didn't want to ask them to stop so that I could take a picture.
Click to expand...

Yes thinking about it, it was a skewbald - so it sounds like the same caravan, so they must have picked the other one up on the way towards your area!! Yes it was lovely to see!
 
ha ha !!! i think if i brought another my QH would need a kiss of life and a new wallet because once i start i wont stop !!
 
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