Saturday 28th November 2009

Ulverston Dickensian Festival 2009

We were asked by the Town Mayor, Councillor Norman Bishop-Rowe, to attend what was a two-day event on Saturday and Sunday in Ulverston.

Unfortunately because there was a Memorial Service for David's cousin, Michael Thornely at Sedbergh School that morning we felt we really would like to support the family , so we did not arrive at the Festival until about 2.30pm

It was very nice to see the Mayor of Kendal, Cllr John Bateson, the Mayor of Ulverston, Mrs Dorothy Dawes and the Mayor of Millom, Cllr Joan Hobbs - and other dignitaries.

We learnt as we were processing round the town, behind the excellent Town Band, that between 20 and 24,000 people attended last year and it certainly looked as though similar numbers were there on that day.

Many people had made a tremendous effort to dress in Dickensian costume and prizes in different categories were handed out by a charming lady representing "Her Majesty Queen Victoria." She was also accompanied by an excellent "Mr Brown."

After prizes were given out we walked through the main part of the town again and were asked to switch the Christmas lights on.

It was altogether a very interesting and enjoyable afternoon and I believe it made us all feel that Christmas was getting very close.