Sunday 9 October – Salisbury to London

My mother and I go to a Woodfair at the Larmer Tree on Cranborne Chase (an area of outstanding natural beauty). It’s beautiful day although a big breezy which means that the barn owls can’t fly. I’d rather like to become a falconer and like to watch the birds fly – one of these days I will get around to doing a course (it’s been the only thing on Groupon that’s ever really appealed).

There are lots of people and lots of dogs. Dogs and people of all shapes and sizes, including an enthusiastic three-legged terrier who bounces along but seems a cheery little thing. There are stalls and displays, things to buy and things to eat and drink.

There is also a village from 1068 – lots of people dressed up and with a small encampment – spinning, cooking, wood carving and a long boat. This is the area of the fair that seems to be attracting the biggest crowds. People are fascinated to find out what the group do and some seem keen to sign up themselves. As I’ve travelled I’ve seen various re-enactors. Georgians as well as the usual Civil War types and it seems to be becoming increasingly popular. And people seem to take it all very seriously. It’s not just about dressing up, it’s about how they lived, and their craft skills.

History seems to be becoming an ever bigger business and important for tourism and regeneration. Towns and cities package and sell their history as a means of continuing to make money. Whilst there is plenty that looks to the past, there is much less about the future. In all my travels only one museum has talked about the future (Swansea).

And now it’s time to return home to London. My car in chaos and many bags to be unpacked. As always I return full of good intentions to keep writing my blog, but it rarely lasts more than a few days so we shall see.