This weekend we had a round of ‘firsts’ – our first Oktober Fest (Rochdale style) and our first Makers Market as a trader.
Armed with our VIP tickets and spending time with friends, we were prepared for the Oompah band experience, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the achy knees. Standing up and down all night – toasting and singing, especially after a few long runs this past week. Ruth enjoyed dancing the night away and even impressed the stewards with her unique style to attract the waiter to our table which resulted in a free Jagerbomb. Another ‘first’ for Ruth. The beer on offer was limited, consisting of Baumhaus Pils and Weihenstephaner Hefeweiss. All being said it was a great night out with some much needed RnR.
Sunday morning we were up bright and early after a few hours sleep and on our way to Whalley, Clitheroe for the popular regular market hosted by Crafty Vintage. Markets are something very new to me, but for Ruth it was a trip down memory lane. As a youngster she would accompany her mum (who made Hessian Figures) to many a craft market throughout her childhood. In adulthood she won an award for creating and organising the first ever UK Chocolate Festival (in Ramsbottom) and did so annually until she left Bury Council. Usually running around making sure everything was going smoothly, she found it rather strange to be sat in one spot all day; but we were plenty busy. It was great to see our customers face to face and make some new contacts.
We finished our weekend with a celebratory drink at The Ale House, supping London Black and An Howl then back home to get warm and put our feet up.
