IT was interesting to note the fair held in the main street and market area of Chorley town centre consisting of rides and penny arcades.

Regrettably, the jumble of miscellaneous market stalls were not included to cater for others and complement the colourful event.

Once, in the wake of the Autumn equinox, this is how the ancient annual customs of the Michaelmas or October Fair were celebrated.

Until its demise in Blackburn it was held on the Blakey Moor, comparable with the Easter Fair, for which the local magistrates would grant an extension of time to the licensed victuallers.

Certain town councillors, the Bishop of Blackburn and other non-conformist clergy condemned it as a relic of the barbarous age which attracted unsavoury characters and immoral activities and they were determined to abolish the October Fair together with the Easter Fair.

But not wanting to risk an angry remonstration by members of the working class, supported by trades people in favour of enjoying its retention, only the Michaelmas Fair was discontinued. The Easter Fair would be dealt with next.

Consequently, the entrepreneurs of private enterprise stepped into the breach to provide a venue at Ewood Park, so the people were not deprived of the October and Pot Fair. The rest is history.

J A MARSDEN, Scarborough Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.