Town turns back clock for Salt Day (From Worcester News)

Town turns back clock for Salt Day

7:40pm Sunday 14th September 2008 in Video By James Connell

ROMAN legions and a guest appearance by Sir Winston Churchill made a popular festival sparkle with pomp, pageantry and patriotism.

The crowds made the best of a rare burst of sunshine in an otherwise damp September as they flocked to the heart of Droitwich for the biggest ever Salt Day festival on Saturday.

The festival celebrates Droitwich’s heritage as the only saltwater spa town in Britain.

Janet Yates, of the Droitwich Spa Area Partnership, which organised the event, said: “We’re really pleased. It has been a lot of hard work but we are amazed by how many people have been interested in taking part. It’s a lot bigger than last year.”

People were spoiled for choice, with a dazzling array of vintage cars, shining armour, stands and stalls, crafts and fresh foods.

The festival was opened by the mayor of Droitwich, Coun Glenise Noyes, and the union flag was raised as 1940s re-enactors gave the salute.

The show was stolen by a Sir Winston Churchill impersonator (Robert Burns) who issued the war leader’s famous rallying call cheered on by the crowds in Victoria Square.

Other attractions included face-painting, Fine Foods Festival at the Saltbarrow Market, a healthy zone at Gurney’s Lane, a craft market, boxing booth and belly dancers.

The Roman legions proved a big hit with adults and children alike in Vines Park, where a centurion gathered his battle-hardened veterans and a few raw recruits for a march through the town.

Legionary Aurelius Lucius Brutus, real name Ian Edge, of Roman Tours Deva Victrix Legion XXVV showed off the deadly force of the gladius (the Roman short sword) as he tried to sign-up some youngsters.

Sally Haslam, of Maytree Hill, Droitwich, was trying to find a home for former racing dogs on behalf of Hall Green Retired Greyhounds.

The organisation re-homed 182 former racing dogs last year.

About 12 have found new homes in Droitwich but some have found new homes as far away as Switzerland.

Pearl Brown, of Robeson Close, Droitwich, was at the festival to raise money for the cancer unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and for the Kidderminster renal unit.

Her husband Joffre is on dialysis and she has lost close friends to cancer.