OUR December talk, entitled All the Fun of the Fair, was given by Ned Williams.

He introduced us to the traditions and hierarchy that lie behind the strong family ties of show people, who have a way of life all of their own.

For instance, they do not live in houses because of their itinerant occupation, although many of them have modern spacious mobile homes. They are usually only static for about three months during the winter months.

Their families do not fragment in the way that most families do today. Often three generations will remain together and all will be involved in the running of the family business.

Christian names are passed down through the generations. Grandparent, parent and child will have the same name, each with an added nickname to prevent confusion. The youngsters will begin by manning a small booth or stall and work their way up through more demanding jobs.

There is much intermarrying between show people and wedding presents will usually be in the form of show equipment or the rights to a prime position on a fairground site, something which is strictly controlled. Otherwise they have to work their way up from a fringe position on the site towards a centre position where there is more trade.

The talk was well illustrated with slides of the families and show equipment.