Umbrella Fair 'Review'

Lots of fun had by all, both of them got their faces painted as it was with something that wouldn't interfere with the eczema, so result! DD1 was a blue butterfly, DD2 a mouse (nose and whiskers, as she doesn't sit still for long).

Lots of stalls and a good mix of information and fair trade, as well as good wholesome food outlets, including a total of 5 (?!) jacket potatoe sellers... I did wonder how they all made any money today...

We had our picnic while listening to the Dhol Drummers. Excellent, DD1 now wants a Dhol Drumming CD, quick trip to http://www.passiondiscs.co.uk/ - normal 1st stop for our purchases of this ilk. She really got into it, and was drumming in time to the performers on her knees.

Also found some lovely 'pagan' jewellery (some pagan items, but most made using crystals and some 'new age' items of clothing etc) at the stall of the lovely lady from www.astarte-moon.co.uk
Selected a pretty white pentagram braclet, but given my volunteering at a church playgroup, asked if she had anything like it with only one pentagram adornment, or something with other less obvious pagan symbolism - I'm all for self expression, but I like these people and don't want to cause unnessercary offence.. - and she sat there with some pliers and took my 'creative input' on board, changed one pentagram for a far smaller one, and the other 2 for butterfly (joy, constant re-birth) and faerie (with gorgeous fillagree wings!).

Also watched a couple of accoustics sets, Louis Barret and Her guitarist/backing vocalist/pianist and Chris Startup. Saw some of the Toby Starke and Ben (not Stuart!) set, but DD2 was getting restless. We went round stalls and came back for Chris. Saw 'SaxBombs' first thing... loved the premiere of composers work, full of life. Will be you tubing that one!

Also went over to the craft marquee and added to the Little people: Big crowd, with DD1s person, telling everyone to 'draw on both sides of the paper' - her idea for environmental change! We took her early as we had a long drive, but by the time we collected they'd got quite the crowd they were hoping for (a great result...)