When I think of friendship, I think of a mutual bond between two people.
With any close friendship you may have many ups and downs which can cause little bumps in the road.
These maybe direct hits between one another, or at other times you maybe the supporter of your friend’s misfortune.
Either way, you need a lasting connection and a level of commitment from both sides to make it work.
Just like a community, sometimes friendships are forged over a common love.
So much so, it can bind you long past the common interest itself.
A few years ago, Alec made a cover for a Massey Ferguson tractor.
Rory the owner was a lovely man and long after the job was finished, he would often call in for a cuppa and a chat.
This relationship was purely built on work, but never the less, he was the sort of guy that would have done anything to help you if he could.
He was the true meaning of ‘The salt of the earth’.
When Billy was a little better, he suggested we should come and see him at the Netley Marsh Show.
He was a great story teller and reminisced how much his children and his grandchildren loved being there.
He said, Billy may like the Steam Traction Engines and related it to Billy’s love for trains.
Rory was more of a tractor man, but had many lifelong friends at the show, that had steam vehicles.
The first year we tried to attend, Billy was hospitalised.
But we did make it for the first time the year after.
And just like Rory said, Billy was in love, especially with the steam engines.
His smile was so wide, it nearly fell of the edges of his face.
But, more pleasingly, Rory had recommended Alec’s work to others within the steam community, so by the time we had arrived we had more than just Rory as a friend.
So, the day was more about catching up and sharing time together.
So much so, this event has become a regular feature within our calendar.
Over the years, I have loved all the Netley Marsh shows, but this year was extra special.
Billy, had is own friend to visit, a mate from school.
His dad was driving a Foden steam lorry at the show.
Billy was fit to burst and couldn’t stop talking about how they had both arranged to meet up and play.
So first stop of the day was identifying their location and saying hello, to the point we got rushed past our friends with a fleeting wave.
But, in many ways I was so happy for him, that he found another steam lover just like him.
As, we walked up, at first I couldn’t spot them and then out of nowhere, Billy started saying ‘There they are’.
For the life of me, I couldn’t see them.
Billy said down here and pointed under the lorry to the other side, where his friend was sitting on the floor playing with his Mamod steam toy.
After a brief encounter, we arranged with his dad to go to the pub later that day.
Very lovely of him considering we had only said ‘Hi’ a couple of times in the playground.
So that afternoon, Billy kept reminding us of the pub.
He defiantly didn’t want to miss it.
To the point we had to leave extra early to make sure we made it on time.
So, over the next 3 days, we kindled some new friendships on the kindness of another family inviting us into their world.
Also, we met up with another class mate to have more fun with.
What memories.
I do wonder when Don Cully first created the show in 1971, if he had envisaged it to be so much more than just a show?
Over the years it has grown from a 1-day village fete to a 3-day show.
Once raising money for the local church, to now supporting many local causes.
But, for me, it so pleasing it hasn’t lost its community feel or friendliness.
It’s quite special that the community hold on to the old, but also welcome in the new.
So much so, the crown jewels are the people and the community they have formed.
Bravo, Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show and see you next year.
Remember you may not feel strong but you are
Love
The Rose-Tinted Mum
The Rose Tinted mum 