Yesterday saw the last day of the Lord Mayor’s Michae
lmas Fayre in Birmingham’s historic markets. I had earlier presented a plaque to the markets' manager Matt Kelly to commemorate the occasion and thank the markets for their service to the people of Birmingham. In the fayre we saw medieval soldiers and households, birds of prey, wandering minstrels, jesters, a wishing well, stocks and walkabouts by the Lord Mayor in full robes and the Lady Mayoress in medieval costume, several groups of Morris Dancers, a 'teacup' ride for kiddies and much else besides. Dozens of traders in the markets were in medieval costume and patriotic flags abounded. Friday had been highlighted by an inspiring talk in St. Martins by Birmingham Historian extraordinary and plenipotentiary, Professor Carl Chinn, on the subject of “A thousand years of the markets.”
One of the most popular items of the Fayre was the re-introduction of the practice of the Lord Mayor giving out Michaelmas coins to old and young people. These we had made by a firm in the Jewellery Quarter (A.J. Gilbert on 0121-236-7774). They are attractive pennies from our historic currency before decimalisation, gilded and with Britannia picked out in silver. The coins were sought after like gold dust!
The Market traders put in a tremendous effort to help make the Michaelmas Fayre a success, as did the staff of the markets. Our sincere thanks too, to the many volunteers from Newman College, both students and staff, who gave generously of their time and helped to collect for the Lord Mayor’s charities.
A great time was had by all, including many visitors to the city. Good causes benefited and the popularity of Birmingham’s Bull Ring Markets as the best source of good value fresh produce anywhere in the country was proven once again.
lmas Fayre in Birmingham’s historic markets. I had earlier presented a plaque to the markets' manager Matt Kelly to commemorate the occasion and thank the markets for their service to the people of Birmingham. In the fayre we saw medieval soldiers and households, birds of prey, wandering minstrels, jesters, a wishing well, stocks and walkabouts by the Lord Mayor in full robes and the Lady Mayoress in medieval costume, several groups of Morris Dancers, a 'teacup' ride for kiddies and much else besides. Dozens of traders in the markets were in medieval costume and patriotic flags abounded. Friday had been highlighted by an inspiring talk in St. Martins by Birmingham Historian extraordinary and plenipotentiary, Professor Carl Chinn, on the subject of “A thousand years of the markets.”
One of the most popular items of the Fayre was the re-introduction of the practice of the Lord Mayor giving out Michaelmas coins to old and young people. These we had made by a firm in the Jewellery Quarter (A.J. Gilbert on 0121-236-7774). They are attractive pennies from our historic currency before decimalisation, gilded and with Britannia picked out in silver. The coins were sought after like gold dust!The Market traders put in a tremendous effort to help make the Michaelmas Fayre a success, as did the staff of the markets. Our sincere thanks too, to the many volunteers from Newman College, both students and staff, who gave generously of their time and helped to collect for the Lord Mayor’s charities.
A great time was had by all, including many visitors to the city. Good causes benefited and the popularity of Birmingham’s Bull Ring Markets as the best source of good value fresh produce anywhere in the country was proven once again.
No comments:
Post a Comment