Boom-time at the horse fair (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Boom-time at the horse fair

PUPPIES, palm readings, pots, piebald ponies and porcelain were all haggled over at one of the biggest Stow fairs for years.

Thousands made their way to the gipsy-owned field on the outskirts of the town for the twice-yearly horse fair last Thursday.

Police said that although the event was about a third larger than recent May fairs, there had not been a corresponding rise in the amount of problems caused by the traditional event.

Despite this, officers were out in force throughout the day after receiving a number of reports of petty crime, intimidation and vandalism in the days leading to the fair.

Sergeant Martin Jones of Stow police said the day itself had been unmarred by any serious incident. "It went very well - the main problem was the heavy traffic. Even though the fair was a third larger than normal the number of reported incidents was no more than usual."

The fair was just as colourful as always with traditional horse-drawn wagons vying for space with modern caravans.

Between the rows of vehicles, young men took horses for test rides, the crowds scattering at they galloped at break-neck speed. Groups of girls dressed up in their best clothes and jewellery looked on approvingly at these displays of horsemanship.

Around campfires that blazed in the bright sunshine old friends caught up on the events since last October's fair and discussed their plans for the next six months.

Dapperly dressed Amos Price said he and his brother Kevin never missed a fair. "We've been coming for 50 years, it's always got a wonderful atmosphere. This is our idea of a perfect holiday."