I Just Take Pictures

NOTTINGHAM GOOSE FAIR

Goosey, Goosey, Gander, to the Fair shall I wander
Up and down the sideshows in a state of wonder
Here I met a hawker his cries far and wide
So I took upon his offer and climbed aboard his ride

As the autumn nights start to draw in and you feel the nip of cold air towards the end of September, many people here in Nottingham begin to whisper the words “Goose Fair”.

To people, young and old alike, a hint of excitement fills the air in anticipation of one of my city’s much-loved events. This year, 2012 marks the 718th fair, to put it in simple terms; Nottingham’s Goose Fair is one of Europe’s largest, non fixed, mobile fun fairs, filled with thrilling rides, games, events, sideshows, and much, much more. For those of you who have been you will know exactly what I mean.



From the first Wednesday each October for five days well over 1 million people visit the Forest Recreational Ground roughly 1 mile north of Nottingham City centre just off the A60 Mansfield Road and Gregory Boulevard to experience the thrills and excitement of one of the city’s oldest traditions and largest social extravaganzas on the Nottingham events calendar. Millions of pounds exchange hands during those few seemingly short days but to the citizens of Nottingham and the surrounding area it is worth every penny.

WHAT IS GOOSE FAIR

At precisely 12.00 pm on Thursday 4 October 2012 in the company of the Sheriff of Nottingham, and other civic dignitaries, the Chief Executive and Town Clerk will read a Proclamation and the Lord Mayor will perform the Silver Bells ringing in ceremony before he/she “Walks the Fair” to officially open the much loved Nottingham Goose Fair.



( Read more right here )

The Major Oak is a huge oak tree in the heart of Sherwood Forest,near the village of Edwinstowe Nottinghamshire, England. According to local folklore, it was Robin Hood's shelter where he and his merry men slept. It weighs an estimated 23 tons, has a girth of 33 feet (10 metres), and is about 800–1000 years old. In June 2002, the Tree Council designated the Major Oak one of fifty Great British Trees in recognition of its place in the national heritage.

Since the Victorian era its massive limbs have been partially supported by scaffolding to help preserve it majesty. In February 1998, a local company took cuttings from the Major Oak and began cultivating clones of the famous tree with the intention of sending saplings to be planted in major cities around the world



Robin Hood at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre



Lime Tree Avenur Rufford Abbey



Rufford Abbey is an estate in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, England. It was originally a Cistercian abbey. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century it became a country house.

The abbey was founded by Gilbert de Gant, on 12 July 1147 and populated with Cistercian monks from Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire.

The English Pope, Adrian IV gave the blessing for the abbey in 1156,



Robin Hood & Maid Marian statue at Edwinstowe



The borders of Sherwood Forest



Robin Hood and Little John at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre

Back to work this morning and no school kids around. Its half term and I could get a seat on the bus today. Another good thing was it wasnt half as cold as it has been recently so there wasn't any need of 3 pairs of socks and an extra layer of sweaters and scarves. I only have to worry about the rain we are to expect now instead of frost and snow.

Last Friday I attended Light Night until I was so cold both my feet and hands we like blocks of ice. Not a good idea up at Nottingham Castle with the wind blowing. I got to see my friends and take a few pictures but I could have done without the windchill



Robin Hood was invaded by the Daleks during Light Night. Sorry Robin but a bow and arrow won't stand up to the creepy metal thingies that talk funny





Nottingham has a wonderful Council House its the city hall built in the late 1920's with a mixture of styles. It has 200 feet (61 m) high dome that rises above the city is the centrepiece of the skyline and presides magnificently over the Old Market Square that looks like that of St Pauls in London. In the dome is a 7 tonne bell we call Little John which has the deepest tone in the country and on a good day can be heard up to 7 miles from the city. Its designed in Neo-Baroque style characterised by the huge pillars that circle the building along with the carvings on the facade. The central arcade that was inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a double arcade in the center of Milan and The Ballroom, is similar in style to one at the Palace of Versailles, with gilt embellished columns and a highly decorated ceiling. The fine parquet sprung floor is made from oak, walnut and ebonized pearwood. French windows lead out onto the famous balcony overlooking the Old Market Square. It is also one of my favourite buildings.






Everyone well almost everyone has heard of Nottingham Castle. Well our castle no longer looks like that which people imagine but is a 17th century mansion house surrounded by normal walls from the original castle. It is an art gallery and museum and each year hosts part of light night



And finay a little Lighthearted image