Ashbourne pics

**Martin** · 17th July 07, 11:03 AM

Here are a few pictures I took whilst at the rain ravaged Ashbourne Gathering last Sunday (15th July).
Unfortunately, it rained right up until about 2pm when we were finally relieved from the downpour. By this time the grounds were soaked and had turned to mud.

The turnout was surprisingly good considering the conditions. The stalls and facilities were excellent, though the heavy games in the arena were restricted somewhat because of damage to the sodden grounds.

I felt so sorry for the organisers and contributors, but apparently this was the first time in 15 years the gathering had not enjoyed sunshine. I suppose it had to happen sometime.

Anyway, here are a few snaps I managed to take before my camera rusted up.

It was raining here

A kilted gent managed to keep his pipe alight despite the rain

Geoff Capes (ironically without a cape) introduces the heavy games

At the end of the day, the pipe bands marched down the High St. of Ashbourne

And finally, yours truly takes shelter in the beer tent

**auld argonian** · 17th July 07, 11:11 AM

Looks like a great time in spite of the weather.

And damn your luck...getting rained in and having to spend your time in the beer tent!

Best

AA

**Hamish** · 17th July 07, 11:23 AM

Martin, thanks for the photos and I am glad you were able to make it - at least X Marks was represented, even if by only one! Such a pity about the weather, but that is what we are having here in the United Kingdom this summer (Summer? Huh!). I keep thinking how very lucky we were with the rainless day at The Harpenden Highland Gathering the previous week.

Apart from the numbers attending (probably reduced as a result of the weather), how did Ashbourne compare with the Harpenden event? I have often wondered.

If your camera is still rusted up, immerse it in a vat of WD40 for a week or two - but PLEASE contact the manufacturer before taking my advice!!

**Splash_4** · 17th July 07, 11:26 AM

I like that first picture! Of course, being from the south, it made my mouth water for "Southern Fried Chicken and Chips"!

**Martin** · 17th July 07, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Apart from the numbers attending (probably reduced as a result of the weather), how did Ashbourne compare with the Harpenden event? I have often wondered.

If your camera is still rusted up, immerse it in a vat of WD40 for a week or two - but PLEASE contact the manufacturer before taking my advice!!

Ham, I think the Ashbourne event would have been a slightly superior event given the correct weather conditions.

There were far more stalls and vendors for one thing, including several purveyors of highland wear. I myself succumbed to a new belt, buckle, sporran and flashes! Nicholsons of Essex were to blame! (or perhaps it was the beer tent)

The food on offer was also more plentiful in choice and I think the main events would have been superb had they not been curtailed by the weather. Incidentally, the admission price was reduced from £8 to £5 in respect of this.

Hopefully, next year the traditonally good weather will return and we can get a few more xmarkers on the spot!

Right, I'm just off out for a vat of WD40!

**cessna152towser** · 17th July 07, 12:28 PM

Thanks for posting these pics, Martin.
Somebody ought to buy a kilt for that poor sod in the parade with the hole in the knees of the jeans.

**McClef** · 17th July 07, 12:31 PM

Thanks for the pics Martin, great to see how many kilts can appear in Derbyshire and that despite the weather!

**Une** · 17th July 07, 01:21 PM

Traditonal british weather Martin, we were really so lucky with Harpenden not a spot of rain in sight, loved the last photo of you in the beer tent also the gentleman trying to keep his pipe dry. What happened to this years heat wave?
Thanks Martin lovley photos

**Archangel** · 17th July 07, 01:22 PM

BTW, what is the gentleman in the centre of the first picture doing? It looks like he's trying to land a plane but I'm sure it's related to something off camera.