Just Steamin'!

Hot, sweaty, dusty, smutty, in fact downright dirty - aah, it must be the Great Dorset Steam Fair! We've had three steaming days there ...and didn't we love it! The sights, the sounds, the smells, but most of all, the people, - the Great Dorset Steam Fair has to be one of the best events to be found anywhere. For a week, a sizeable town rises up in the lovely vale of Tarrant Hinton not far from Blandford. Those glorious engines make their majestic way to the site along with hurdy-girdies, swingboats, rollercoasters and all manner of eccentric collectables and stalls. And in amongst all that, is live music including us. For the fifth year running, we were delighted and honoured to be a small part of this 'town'. And it's great to meet up with people, audience members, who have come back to see us each year. This year was no exception. We played three fantastic sets on Saturday, each time to a packed tent. Our last set on the Saturday night we reckon we must've had a 1000 people in there. Samantha Jane, looking lovely in her favourite Steam Fair outfit, jumped up on stage to guest on a couple of numbers; The response to our music was so warm and appreciative and fun. And we had such a good time chilling out in Rosie our caravan - all the band, partners and dogs, our friends Ronni, Sal and Steve who had come along for the ride and to help with merchandising. The weekend was full of inventive meals - what have you brought? Brill, just throw it in the pot! - and it's amazing how many people you can feed when everyone chips in together. Jerry and Malcolm trading songs; Steve, the experienced caravanner scrabbling around under Rosie trying to make all her bits work - Hey, we even managed running water! - Liz, Diane and Ronni all trying to get me into my corset - should it really be that hard? - hmmm, maybe I do need a bigger size; Alan strummin' away on his mandolin waiting for the sausages; Sal singing along and dancing to all our music in every set - and they say I'm energetic! - amazing playing and chemistry on-stage; melting under the lights; Keith's storming drums in the final set; Liz and Steve taking millions of photos; Marm, my sister,George, my niece Amber, all coming along to support us on the Saturday; a mellow set to a mellow audience on the Sunday; lovely comments from the audience like ''I love it! This band have changed my life!' and 'Marry me!'!!! Arriving home and staggering out of the car like a load of old crocks - who'd believe it? Great Dorset - we love you! See you next year! xxx

Charlie
State of Undress
www.stateofundress.com