Barnes Fair 2007

10pm. Just back from Barnes Fair.

Set off at 9.30 this morning to meet Madeleine and her nephew and niece at Barnes Fair. Whizzed through the fair quickly and met an old friend Pete who had a bottle stall. Helped with this until it was time to meet the others. We drank a Pimms then wandered around some more until Dorothy and Julian turned up. We ate and drank some wine and chatted before seeing some more of the fair. Fortunately the weather improved sufficiently to give us a lovely day for it. The fair had lots of clothes stalls and more than I ever remember for very small children and toddlers, which were present in huge numbers, but very little for older children. There was a merry-go-round however, and train rides, and various bands playing during the day. I bought an amazing Indian parasol in brilliant fuchsia and red.

After Madeleine took her nephew and niece back, she rejoined us for a very good dinner at the Red Lion.This used to be a dodgy dive but had improved a lot, apart from some fairly awful hooray Henrys and Henriettas playing the usual loud, moronic drinking games, but Madeleine called the manageress to shut them up, after which they behaved themselves. We had gigantic fish cakes and grilled chicken on salad and a large jug of Pimms. Dorothy and Julian had several parties to attend later and I have rushed to feed poor Malvolio, who has been sadly neglected.