Harpenden Highland Games - Sunday, 12 July 2015

**HarveyH** · 26th May 15, 01:59 PM

This years Harpenden Gathering is on Sunday 12 July.

Its been mentioned on a couple of threads but I thought it would be a good idea to set a thread going here so we can say if we are going - especially as I understand the Quaich is going to be there.

For info and details of where to get advance reduced admission, see: http://www.harpenden-lions.co.uk/highland-gathering

**freddie** · 31st May 15, 01:59 AM

I'll be there now that Asbourne is cancelled.

**tpa** · 8th July 15, 05:30 AM

I've bought my ticket, so all being well, I'll be there. Is someone bringing the quaich?

**HarveyH** · 11th July 15, 11:18 PM

oh dear - on our way to the gathering with a gentle drizzle. See people later.

**John_Carrick** · 12th July 15, 02:22 AM

Hope everyone has a great day and Paul's order book will be bulging.

**tpa** · 12th July 15, 07:14 PM

I was pleased to arrive there and find the ground dry, having passed through several downpours - wipers on double speed stuff.

Scots corner turned out to be Scots line. Chas was there as always and although I spent some time with him, totally neglected to take a picture, though he can just be seen here talking to some visitors.

Next to Scottish tablet was Paul Henry, seen here trying to prevent his stall taking off, something Chas also had to contend with.

After Paul we had a large selection of cromachs.

and that was it for Scots Corner. But we did have some heavies attempting none too successfully to toss the caber. I can't comment on the success of the weight throwing for distance or height as there was no commentary.

On an adjacent area and attracting all the commentary were a horsey couple, an errant hawk that disappeared into a neighbouring tree and refused to chase the dummy rabbit, the usual dog and duck show, though I was not sure that it wasn't the ducks chasing the dog.

To be continued.

**tpa** · 12th July 15, 07:34 PM

Dancing, there was lots of it. I missed the highland dancing, but there was country dancing all day, mainly youngsters of all ages.

The younger ones seemingly working on an impromptu basis.

Talking about kids there were lots of them and lots for them to do from electric go-carts and climbing wall at one end to a skate park and more exotic fun fair creations at the other.

Some just did their own thing,

while others watched.

For the grown ups there were classic cars:

The Triumph Vitesse was my favourite, I have owned two in my time.

To be continued.

**tpa** · 12th July 15, 07:46 PM

I also bumped into our Kilted Scholar who had come from South Wales.

I gather Freddie was also there although I did not see him as was Harvey, but I didn't meet him either. There were some other interesting spectators such as this lady, not highland, but certainly stylish.

I had to leave before the massed bands, which I believe was expected to comprise 4 bands, though I only witnessed one playing.

For the most part the rain held off, bar a couple of light showers, but the sun did not come out properly until I was leaving, which left the pictures a little flat.