We learn news about an old family friend

Very recently George Irvin was overseeing the arrival of his popular family fair in Bow, and met Hannah who has since sent us fascinating news about her much loved Grandfather. Here is her email below, a wonderful story and thank you for sharing this with us.

My Name is Hannah, we met on Monday at the Victoria Park Baptist Church in Bow when you were handing out free ride tickets. I explained to you that I was very close to someone who has followed the fair all his life, my Grandad – Rod Spooner.  He sadly passed away on Friday and you said that you would like to put something on your website about him.

I have had a look through some of my Grandad’s photographs and negatives and came across the attached photograph which if one of your vehicles from 1952.

Caption for lorries Reads ‘ George Irvins Albion (ex WD) and Peerless? Lorry. London 1952 (Photograph Rod Spooner)

A little bit about my Grandad…

Rod Spooner 1927- 2011: Ever since watching the fair pull on at The Alcester Mop as a youngster Rod had been fascinated with the fair in all its aspects. In 2001 Rod completed fifty years as a part time correspondent for ‘Worlds Fair’ in which he wrote regularly about the  fairground scene and photographed it.Rod retired three years ago but still could not resist the pull of the fair and even as late as August of last year could be seen riding the dodgems at Slaters Fair in Seahouses, Northumberland.

You also said that you might want to mention the connection with myself…

My Name is Hannah Jeeves – 24.  I’m Rod Spooner’s Granddaughter. I was running my local Slimming World Group at the Church when you came in, and I just thought it was one of those moments when you think “things happen for a reason” I couldn’t believe it when 3 days after my grandad passing away I pull up to my groups venue to see the fair pulling on!