Marquee mayhem: three injured and hundreds evacuated at community fair (From Bournemouth Echo)

Dont let drunks or alcohol into the fair if you don't want people to do stupid dangerous things. Alcohol and children are a really bad mix so if you are aiming this at families don't allow alcohol. There are plenty of places you can go to to get drunk in Boscombe or anywhere else. And don't all post saying this will drive people to taking illegal drugs. People take illegal drugs because they are idiots who want to show off not because they can't have alcohol.

Well said.

There is no mention of alcohol. Don't jump to conclusions. Some people are just thick, selfish, inconsiderate idiots anyway.

You can't blame people drinking for something like this occurring. There are hundreds of music festivals up and down the country which go on without any problems at all. Most of these allow drinking on site or have on site bars.

I'm not just talking about the massive festivals either there are loads of community events even just locally which have happened without any issues.

One person doing something stupid shouldn't stop other people having fun, drinking a sensible amount and supporting local events like this.

Hopefully the fair will go ahead again next year, without any problems, as this was by far the best one yet. Well done to everyone involved.

It is reported (twice) that the marquee filled with smoke. This is the product of burning (fire) - so was there a fire? Evidently not, so actually there was no smoke. 'Young lad of 18' err...that is legally an adult man then.
Sounds like a bit of a non-story being stoked up (pun intended) to fill a slow news day. Not nice for those immediately affected but hardly newsworthy.
Misery pic, classic arms folded variety - boring, 4/10.

I would have liked the price of admission to this event to have been lower. There are families in the Boscombe area that could'nt afford to go because of the cost of entry. I remember when fetes and fairs like this were free and not in a fenced off area. I think next year they should leave the 'community' out of the title.

praps the "lout" was a hero and put out a fire!

I hope the organizers of this event have good public liability insurance.

'Helen Keeling went for a check-up at Royal Bournemouth Hospital yesterday'.

“There was one person on the floor, people were trampling on him. He was crouched down on the floor struggling for breath.”

Interesting contradiction to everyone else that says the evacuation was calm and uneventful.

Got to say an event in Boscombe at 10.30 pm is likely to draw low life who will cause problems.....? Why not start earlier and finish earlier and thus reduce the chances of these idiots getting tanked up. Shame......

Were any of the Nay-sayers actually there,I think not,Boscombe is a great place with 'real' people experiencing real problems not like those who hide behind a credit card and clothing labels...Get a life !

I did hear that the security staff,were abrupt and not experienced.

pete woodley wrote:
I did hear that the security staff,were abrupt and not experienced.

Abrupt? Apparently people were choking to death-who cares how brusque the staff are when saving your life. Get a grip woodley

I would be reviewing my security staff and what they were doing at the time? Licensed events require SIA licensed staff to manage such situations. who provided this event with their security and further more on site first Aiders should of been able to deal with this without to much fuss if they actually practiced their skill rather than being there for the ride. Surely with the Entry Fee set as it is you could afford to engage professionals?

I attended the Boscombe Community Fair with a young man in a wheelchair. We had a great weekend listening and dancing to excellent local music and socialising with friends. It was such a shame that one person (who is unknown) had to ruin the fun for everyone. We had all been waiting for Subgiant to play, and they had to stop the music 3/4 songs in to evacuate everyone safely. I helped hold up one of the side panels of the tent to let people out. Friends and strangers helped the man I look after get out to a safe distance. It was rewarding to see everyone helping each other get out, the whole tent was evacuated quickly and then marshalls and security helped people get off site. A big drama that lasted only a few minutes, to be talked about for a long time.

I think that alcohol that people had been consuming since 2 in the afternoon probably hightend the feel of anxiety. If anyone could learn by this lesson, maybe the community fair could limit the amount of alcohol people could bring into the festival next year.

Another thing I feel I should mention. I think that the echo photo of the woman standing outside the festival is a very bad portrayel of the event. I didn't see anyone frowning, just happy people enjoying a community event.

I was there with my 7 yr old son and he said it was 'the best thing he has ever been too' !! We were outside the marquee when the incident happened and it all seemed to be handled in a calm and orderly fashion !! As for not drinking that is just a silly suggestion ( no adults would probably go ) then the fair would lose money and then not go ahead in future years ( the fair is non profit and any monies made go back into running next years event ) . I hope this doesn't effect the chances of it happening next year because of one or two brainless morons !! Much respect to bert and all others involved in this great community event. Much fun had and I think the price is reasonable and under 12s were free :)

Finbarr Finkelstein wrote:

pete woodley wrote:
I did hear that the security staff,were abrupt and not experienced.

Abrupt? Apparently people were choking to death-who cares how brusque the staff are when saving your life. Get a grip woodley

choking to death,how dramatic,the security staff concerned were not at the time dealing with any emergency.and as delta3 says they should have been licensed,where they all.

delta3 wrote:
I would be reviewing my security staff and what they were doing at the time? Licensed events require SIA licensed staff to manage such situations. who provided this event with their security and further more on site first Aiders should of been able to deal with this without to much fuss if they actually practiced their skill rather than being there for the ride. Surely with the Entry Fee set as it is you could afford to engage professionals?

I'm pretty sure the security staff were legit otherwise they wouldn't be able to hold the event surely ??! I did not see any trouble apart from this one incident !!

At 3pm on Saturday when I attended people were already drunk and there was a lot of smoking that clearly wasn't tobacco.

Family friendly my arse.

There was a no bottle policy at the gate but the amount of cans of booze being let in was astonishing.

The signs at the gate were also quite amusing. One said that the staff would not tolerate abuse yet another said some of the performances include swearing. Family friendly??

crispyjay wrote:
At 3pm on Saturday when I attended people were already drunk and there was a lot of smoking that clearly wasn't tobacco.

Family friendly my arse.

There was a no bottle policy at the gate but the amount of cans of booze being let in was astonishing.

The signs at the gate were also quite amusing. One said that the staff would not tolerate abuse yet another said some of the performances include swearing. Family friendly??

And you comment about swearing by swearing ?! Where's the sense in that ! Do you have children ! ? Have you ever let them watch tv after 9 or play age restricted games / watch films !! Or go on the Internet unsupervised to be able to look up comments like yours with swearing in ?! And I'm pretty sure if you went to any pub on a sat at 3 pm there would be drunk ppl with children too !!!!

pete woodley wrote:

Finbarr Finkelstein wrote:

pete woodley wrote:
I did hear that the security staff,were abrupt and not experienced.

Abrupt? Apparently people were choking to death-who cares how brusque the staff are when saving your life. Get a grip woodley

choking to death,how dramatic,the security staff concerned were not at the time dealing with any emergency.and as delta3 says they should have been licensed,where they all.

Google Translate

Shady81 wrote:

crispyjay wrote:
At 3pm on Saturday when I attended people were already drunk and there was a lot of smoking that clearly wasn't tobacco.

Family friendly my arse.

There was a no bottle policy at the gate but the amount of cans of booze being let in was astonishing.

The signs at the gate were also quite amusing. One said that the staff would not tolerate abuse yet another said some of the performances include swearing. Family friendly??

And you comment about swearing by swearing ?! Where's the sense in that ! Do you have children ! ? Have you ever let them watch tv after 9 or play age restricted games / watch films !! Or go on the Internet unsupervised to be able to look up comments like yours with swearing in ?! And I'm pretty sure if you went to any pub on a sat at 3 pm there would be drunk ppl with children too !!!!

Arse is not a swear word it's a description of you.

Wherever you go, unfortunately there will be one (or more) idiot who decides to do something stupid. Alcohol just fuels stupid behaviour. I dont go out in the evenings because I got fed up of feeling intimidated by drunks. I go to a local family farm park regularly where they serve alcohol in the cafe! If you can't have fun for a few hours without alcohol you have a problem. It's a shame if this one person ruined everyone's fun and stopped the band playing. THAT is what will stick in folks mind over having a nice day out.

The original founders of this fair wanted it to be dry ie no alcohol but got over-ridden. I agree with a previous poster that if you can't enjoy yourself without having alcohol you have a problem. Any GP can refer you to the drug and alcohol service for help as you are alcohol dependent. Being unable to relax without alcohol is a clear indication of mental health issues which you are entitled to help with from the NHS You don't have to be breaking into a sweat when you haven't had a drink for an hour or so, that is the next stage. Being miserable without it and unable to cope with other people's company is the first stage.Get help if this is you.

I'm fascinated by the suggestion that the event should be free. I am involved in running a similar event and it costs about £7000 to put the event on. I suspect the Boscombe event is even more expensive. Where do people think this money comes from, other than gate takings and stall holders?

Why isn't there a story about the positives of this year's Boscombe Community Fair?

We had a wonderful time and there were happy smiley faces everywhere! :)

Come on Echo, tomorrow's paper?

crispyjay wrote:

Shady81 wrote:

crispyjay wrote:
At 3pm on Saturday when I attended people were already drunk and there was a lot of smoking that clearly wasn't tobacco.

Family friendly my arse.

There was a no bottle policy at the gate but the amount of cans of booze being let in was astonishing.

The signs at the gate were also quite amusing. One said that the staff would not tolerate abuse yet another said some of the performances include swearing. Family friendly??

And you comment about swearing by swearing ?! Where's the sense in that ! Do you have children ! ? Have you ever let them watch tv after 9 or play age restricted games / watch films !! Or go on the Internet unsupervised to be able to look up comments like yours with swearing in ?! And I'm pretty sure if you went to any pub on a sat at 3 pm there would be drunk ppl with children too !!!!

Arse is not a swear word it's a description of you.

Like the way you avoided the questions !!

I totally blame the reef for this one

what a load of tripe being commented on this article,i whas there with a lot of freinds and yes we did take alcohol, but we did not get drunk neither did a vast majority of the people,we all paid for the three day pass,and when you work out the cost for three days of good entertainment, it was amazing value! All the moaners on this site commenting should stop downing everything boscombe related, and maybe actualy go to the event before commenting, the cost for three day pass was only £10.00 pounds, and o.a.p.s were able to get in for £three pounds each,fantastic event good music,and food/stalls, cannot wait for next years,well done to the organizers.

jonheat1 wrote:
what a load of tripe being commented on this article,i whas there with a lot of freinds and yes we did take alcohol, but we did not get drunk neither did a vast majority of the people,we all paid for the three day pass,and when you work out the cost for three days of good entertainment, it was amazing value! All the moaners on this site commenting should stop downing everything boscombe related, and maybe actualy go to the event before commenting, the cost for three day pass was only £10.00 pounds, and o.a.p.s were able to get in for £three pounds each,fantastic event good music,and food/stalls, cannot wait for next years,well done to the organizers.

Well said,glad to hear the positive side of the story, you are also correct about the moaners, unfortunately the positive people of Boscombe seem reluctant to post their views when topics like this come up.Glad you and your friend enjoyed it

I was there Saturday night and whatever happened could not have been as dramatic as reported. I did not notice loads of police and ambulance, so the incident reported must have been fairly low key.
The editor of the Echo is an ex-Tory councillor. There are parts of Bournemouth council that are run very well, and genuinely try to support the community, but unfortunately there are other parts that ignore the community, and seek to benefit the few business people over the needs of the many.
Therefore it is no surprise to me that the Echo has once again exaggerated a story linked to Boscombe. In our area many are making money out of the misery of many more and the community is being destroyed. For all of you on your high equines bear in mind that your tax supports the CJS, the HMO's and pays for the highly trained armed police that now have to regularly patrol Boscombe streets.
"There is money in this here poverty trap."
So when the community tries to do something positive what happens, the council mouthpiece slates it. I spent most of the weekend at the fair going back and forth as I live close, and I performed some poetry there. As someone who is familiar with keeping the peace at large gatherings of people, I would say that this was one of the most well organised and monitored events I have been to for a while. The security were a constant presence and regularly patrolled the site all through the day and into the evening. They were not obtrusive or aggressive they just did their job. I think for a three day event to have one incident of an idiot setting off a fire extinguisher is a very good statistic. It is unfortunate that some people were stressed by this both physically and mentally, but in the balance of things, there were no fights, no slanging matches and no antisocial behaviour round and about the site, or beyond its perimeter.
Not bad for a THREE day event where alcohol was served throughout. Compare this to an average Friday or Saturday night in Bournemouth Town Centre where the COUNCIL have granted too many 24 hour drinking licences, where antisocial behaviour and ticketing and arrests are the norm every single weekend!!

I would like to thank the organisers of Boscombe Community Fair for all their hard work in putting on a diverse, entertaining musical event enjoyed by all ages. On the last day I met with a friend from work who was their with her husband and two small children, and had spent all day there chilling out. This will be one of my many enduring memories of a happy event.
Once again shame on you Echo for being so negative about your own community. Isn't time that the council start listening to the many that vote them in, and the local paper starts truly reflecting the views of the community that keeps you all in jobs when we buy your paper?

PS I was in the Marquee in question with the music and stood next to it after the band I watched had finished. There was only one way out for the crowd from the Marquee if there were such a bad incident, as the back had a narrow entrance and a 'green room' for the performers. Having stood in around the Marquee for most of the evening I did not notice a mass evacuation of people or police hanging around to question people. Why? Because it blatantly did not happen as it has been reported.

I had taken my 6 year old son to this "family" "community' fair about 2pm on Saturday.

The burger and chips were nice and fairly priced.

My son also enjoyed the trampoline ride, though he questioned where the other rides were for children.

I had taken him into one of the tents to hear some live music. Instead of music, a man was being introduced who could barely stand.

Indeed the MC had to grab him by the arm on more than one occasion.

When he approached the microphone stand (an attempt was made to hand him the mic but he was to drunk to hold it so it was placed in the stand) the man did nothing but shout F words, C words and before my son or I could hear anything more I rushed my boy out of and away from that tent.

As we walked to see what else there may be for my son to enjoy I was shocked at the level of cannabis odour from different groups sitting on the ground.

The sight and number of those staggering around with tins of Special Brew raised my concerns all the more.

Others were laid out obviously passed out with large plastic bottles of cider clutched in their grips.

I seen a tent where children were painting and leaving their hand prints on paper that had a man passed out across some of the paper art the children had made.

A boy was sitting on his chest asking if we was ok, with no response.

All that I witnessed, so called "security" witnessed and had no regard whatsoever.

I do not believe this event should ever take place again without having on site "community stalls" representing Dorset Police and another representing Social Services.

I pray to God that if Shady81 has access to children in any manner, that social services are made aware and are keeping a watchful eye.

I have never seen or heard of a loving parent that would find any of the things acceptable that shady81 seems to think are the norm.

Say what you will of my comments. These are MY experiences and I did not leave at the first sign of a problem in case it was an isolated case.

The problems I witnessed were far reaching.

I see some comments by others that found it acceptable and indeed some that thought everything about it was just perfect.

I believe there is much sugar coating taking place by those who aren't bothered about what has taken place and only seek to see it return.

Well shame on you. Parents should know the truth to avoid taking their children to witness such behaviour.

You can paint a turd as beautiful as you like...

you're still simply left with a turd.

Dadof2 wrote:
I had taken my 6 year old son to this "family" "community' fair about 2pm on Saturday.

The burger and chips were nice and fairly priced.

My son also enjoyed the trampoline ride, though he questioned where the other rides were for children.

I had taken him into one of the tents to hear some live music. Instead of music, a man was being introduced who could barely stand.

Indeed the MC had to grab him by the arm on more than one occasion.

When he approached the microphone stand (an attempt was made to hand him the mic but he was to drunk to hold it so it was placed in the stand) the man did nothing but shout F words, C words and before my son or I could hear anything more I rushed my boy out of and away from that tent.

As we walked to see what else there may be for my son to enjoy I was shocked at the level of cannabis odour from different groups sitting on the ground.

The sight and number of those staggering around with tins of Special Brew raised my concerns all the more.

Others were laid out obviously passed out with large plastic bottles of cider clutched in their grips.

I seen a tent where children were painting and leaving their hand prints on paper that had a man passed out across some of the paper art the children had made.

A boy was sitting on his chest asking if we was ok, with no response.

All that I witnessed, so called "security" witnessed and had no regard whatsoever.

I do not believe this event should ever take place again without having on site "community stalls" representing Dorset Police and another representing Social Services.

I pray to God that if Shady81 has access to children in any manner, that social services are made aware and are keeping a watchful eye.

I have never seen or heard of a loving parent that would find any of the things acceptable that shady81 seems to think are the norm.

Say what you will of my comments. These are MY experiences and I did not leave at the first sign of a problem in case it was an isolated case.

The problems I witnessed were far reaching.

I see some comments by others that found it acceptable and indeed some that thought everything about it was just perfect.

I believe there is much sugar coating taking place by those who aren't bothered about what has taken place and only seek to see it return.

Well shame on you. Parents should know the truth to avoid taking their children to witness such behaviour.

You can paint a turd as beautiful as you like...

you're still simply left with a turd.

Thank you Dadof2,i believe yours is a true account,and having read songul bekirs comments on other subjects,i would NEVER believe him/her.

Dadof2 wrote:
I had taken my 6 year old son to this "family" "community' fair about 2pm on Saturday.

The burger and chips were nice and fairly priced.

My son also enjoyed the trampoline ride, though he questioned where the other rides were for children.

I had taken him into one of the tents to hear some live music. Instead of music, a man was being introduced who could barely stand.

Indeed the MC had to grab him by the arm on more than one occasion.

When he approached the microphone stand (an attempt was made to hand him the mic but he was to drunk to hold it so it was placed in the stand) the man did nothing but shout F words, C words and before my son or I could hear anything more I rushed my boy out of and away from that tent.

As we walked to see what else there may be for my son to enjoy I was shocked at the level of cannabis odour from different groups sitting on the ground.

The sight and number of those staggering around with tins of Special Brew raised my concerns all the more.

Others were laid out obviously passed out with large plastic bottles of cider clutched in their grips.

I seen a tent where children were painting and leaving their hand prints on paper that had a man passed out across some of the paper art the children had made.

A boy was sitting on his chest asking if we was ok, with no response.

All that I witnessed, so called "security" witnessed and had no regard whatsoever.

I do not believe this event should ever take place again without having on site "community stalls" representing Dorset Police and another representing Social Services.

I pray to God that if Shady81 has access to children in any manner, that social services are made aware and are keeping a watchful eye.

I have never seen or heard of a loving parent that would find any of the things acceptable that shady81 seems to think are the norm.

Say what you will of my comments. These are MY experiences and I did not leave at the first sign of a problem in case it was an isolated case.

The problems I witnessed were far reaching.

I see some comments by others that found it acceptable and indeed some that thought everything about it was just perfect.

I believe there is much sugar coating taking place by those who aren't bothered about what has taken place and only seek to see it return.

Well shame on you. Parents should know the truth to avoid taking their children to witness such behaviour.

You can paint a turd as beautiful as you like...

you're still simply left with a turd.

If you has read my previous comment I mentioned my son !!! I dont see how any of my comments would make you suggest that my children need social service supervision ! And if you know what cannabis smells like then surely you have been involved with it at some point !!? I never mentioned anything about any drugs or excessive alcohol !! I did not see or mention anything about special brew or cider like you did ! Did you think no one would be drinking alcohol ?! You don't know me and I don't know you so I'm not going to sit here and make assumptions like you quite clearly have about me ! And also I think the expression is polishing a turd not painting it !!

wow surprise surprise lets all blame alcohol and drugs because that way kids are allowed to behave the way they do and it can all be explained away not to mention shifting the responsibility from the little sod that acted so badly to the organisers!! I have been going to the fair since I was a kid, from the first ever fair and there is never any trouble!! I have 2 children and I assure all of you readers planning on blaming alcohol etc etc (yawn) that if any of my children pulled a stunt like that I would seriously be taking a good look at what I had done wrong!!

Not only that but despite the "massive" amounts of alcohol on site and majority of drunk attenders as some commentors have mentioned the site was cleared calmly and quickly within 30 minutes !! No one suffered lasting damage and I mean lasting in so much as within 5 minutes throats were fine trust me I was at the front!!

Stop blowing things out of proportion - unruly misbehaving teenagers - nothing new - finally some advertsiement with the echo for BCF - now there is something new!!

Overly dramatised rubbish story. I was standing near the tent with my 3 young kids, they had a lovely time. I saw the incident which was a dampner on a good night. didn't see any stampeding or hysterics just an orderly evacuation of the tent. Fire extinguishers won't do too much harm, that's why you see them in every public building in the country. I do think a limit to booze brought onto site is a good idea, they used to do that. lower parks tone is a well to do area, didn't they have a problem with young adults after a free event there last year?

Shady81 wrote:

Dadof2 wrote:
I had taken my 6 year old son to this "family" "community' fair about 2pm on Saturday.

The burger and chips were nice and fairly priced.

My son also enjoyed the trampoline ride, though he questioned where the other rides were for children.

I had taken him into one of the tents to hear some live music. Instead of music, a man was being introduced who could barely stand.

Indeed the MC had to grab him by the arm on more than one occasion.

When he approached the microphone stand (an attempt was made to hand him the mic but he was to drunk to hold it so it was placed in the stand) the man did nothing but shout F words, C words and before my son or I could hear anything more I rushed my boy out of and away from that tent.

As we walked to see what else there may be for my son to enjoy I was shocked at the level of cannabis odour from different groups sitting on the ground.

The sight and number of those staggering around with tins of Special Brew raised my concerns all the more.

Others were laid out obviously passed out with large plastic bottles of cider clutched in their grips.

I seen a tent where children were painting and leaving their hand prints on paper that had a man passed out across some of the paper art the children had made.

A boy was sitting on his chest asking if we was ok, with no response.

All that I witnessed, so called "security" witnessed and had no regard whatsoever.

I do not believe this event should ever take place again without having on site "community stalls" representing Dorset Police and another representing Social Services.

I pray to God that if Shady81 has access to children in any manner, that social services are made aware and are keeping a watchful eye.

I have never seen or heard of a loving parent that would find any of the things acceptable that shady81 seems to think are the norm.

Say what you will of my comments. These are MY experiences and I did not leave at the first sign of a problem in case it was an isolated case.

The problems I witnessed were far reaching.

I see some comments by others that found it acceptable and indeed some that thought everything about it was just perfect.

I believe there is much sugar coating taking place by those who aren't bothered about what has taken place and only seek to see it return.

Well shame on you. Parents should know the truth to avoid taking their children to witness such behaviour.

You can paint a turd as beautiful as you like...

you're still simply left with a turd.

If you has read my previous comment I mentioned my son !!! I dont see how any of my comments would make you suggest that my children need social service supervision ! And if you know what cannabis smells like then surely you have been involved with it at some point !!? I never mentioned anything about any drugs or excessive alcohol !! I did not see or mention anything about special brew or cider like you did ! Did you think no one would be drinking alcohol ?! You don't know me and I don't know you so I'm not going to sit here and make assumptions like you quite clearly have about me ! And also I think the expression is polishing a turd not painting it !!

And what exactly did I say to make you suggest things I think are the norm !! To be honest your comments have left me mythed !! My comments to crispy Jay were mere examples !! There are lots of bad things that happen in this world and ppl having some alcohol around children is far from the worst !

Shady - you can roll a turd in glitter but it's still a turd.

If you are going to ask questions then use a question mark not a mixture of question marks and exclamation marks. Then and only then will I answer.

This event was advertised as family friendly. If this is your idea of family friendly then the country is doomed.

Remember, children are our future. It's our job as responsible parents to protect our children from "bad things" not expose them.

If people were smoking drugs, maybe they were injecting too. Should let our children play with the needles?

crispyjay wrote:
Shady - you can roll a turd in glitter but it's still a turd.

If you are going to ask questions then use a question mark not a mixture of question marks and exclamation marks. Then and only then will I answer.

This event was advertised as family friendly. If this is your idea of family friendly then the country is doomed.

Remember, children are our future. It's our job as responsible parents to protect our children from "bad things" not expose them.

If people were smoking drugs, maybe they were injecting too. Should let our children play with the needles?

Anyway crispy - im still pretty sure its polish it :) so do you think a big festival thats allows children doesnt have any drugs at it ? ( just a ? mark that time ) . im pretty **** sure there was no injecting going on ! thats just putting this and the boscombe problems together and coming up with ridiculous comments ! I don't know about heroin use but I'm pretty sure its not used as a social drug? and as for smoking cannabis that makes people less rowdy than drinking but which is the legal drug ? so when i take my child to the supermarket should i not take them near or let them see the alcohol aisle because its a "bad thing" ?

Shady81 wrote:

crispyjay wrote:
Shady - you can roll a turd in glitter but it's still a turd.

If you are going to ask questions then use a question mark not a mixture of question marks and exclamation marks. Then and only then will I answer.

This event was advertised as family friendly. If this is your idea of family friendly then the country is doomed.

Remember, children are our future. It's our job as responsible parents to protect our children from "bad things" not expose them.

If people were smoking drugs, maybe they were injecting too. Should let our children play with the needles?

Anyway crispy - im still pretty sure its polish it :) so do you think a big festival thats allows children doesnt have any drugs at it ? ( just a ? mark that time ) . im pretty **** sure there was no injecting going on ! thats just putting this and the boscombe problems together and coming up with ridiculous comments ! I don't know about heroin use but I'm pretty sure its not used as a social drug? and as for smoking cannabis that makes people less rowdy than drinking but which is the legal drug ? so when i take my child to the supermarket should i not take them near or let them see the alcohol aisle because its a "bad thing" ?

Shady - do you belong to the 40 watt club?

crispyjay wrote:

Shady81 wrote:

crispyjay wrote:
Shady - you can roll a turd in glitter but it's still a turd.

If you are going to ask questions then use a question mark not a mixture of question marks and exclamation marks. Then and only then will I answer.

This event was advertised as family friendly. If this is your idea of family friendly then the country is doomed.

Remember, children are our future. It's our job as responsible parents to protect our children from "bad things" not expose them.

If people were smoking drugs, maybe they were injecting too. Should let our children play with the needles?

Anyway crispy - im still pretty sure its polish it :) so do you think a big festival thats allows children doesnt have any drugs at it ? ( just a ? mark that time ) . im pretty **** sure there was no injecting going on ! thats just putting this and the boscombe problems together and coming up with ridiculous comments ! I don't know about heroin use but I'm pretty sure its not used as a social drug? and as for smoking cannabis that makes people less rowdy than drinking but which is the legal drug ? so when i take my child to the supermarket should i not take them near or let them see the alcohol aisle because its a "bad thing" ?

Shady - do you belong to the 40 watt club?

oh good one !!!! i thought you answered questions that had question marks ? all you have seemed to do is try and insult me !!! and answered no questions !

The fact is that this event DID attract lowlife as well as decent people, i personally saw people totally out of it, and people openly taking drugs at this event, is that COMMUNITY? It seems that if you criticise the anti social element in Boscombe you are attacked as attacking the so called community, iv lived here 20 years and i wonder why when the low life still seem to have the upper hand, 9 times out of 10 those that attack and defend vibrant boscombe are the very low life that plague the area and do not even recognise that they are the cause of problems in the area and as for blaming the echo thta is frankly ridiculous DONT SHOOT THE MESSENGER

Ok let's calm it down a little, establish some facts and then put the matter to bed as this is a little silly.

Apologies for my punctuation by the way but I am trying my best.

Firstly I can say that I was at the event most of the weekend and was there at the end on Saturday. I also know some of the organisers.

Putting aside any issues with boscombe, the council, the echo, the legalisation of cannabis and how you raise your children lets look at the event.

It's intention is to be something to everybody, thus Community, and therefore all are welcome. Inevitably this will create some frictions and it is understandable that one person may not feel comfortable while others do. There were some 1500 people there this year over the three days. This included people of all ages, many families also. The oldest I saw must have been ninety if she was a day - dressed immaculately inmight add. There were also many Physically and mentally handicapped persons there (apologies if this is not strictly pc). If you didn't enjoy it that is unfortunate, however any constructive feedback would be appreciated by the organisers. Or volunteers for that matter.

In respect of the cost of attending the event if you feel you can get better entertainment for less than £4 per day then I don't know how.

I spoke to one of the security guards that night and believe they all work for the same firm, pretty sure I've seen some of them at other events. He told me they were off into town after for the rest of their shifts. So they were all qualified.

Finally the Incident was caused by one of those powder fire extinguishers which I suppose is why there was "smoke". I was in the marquee so saw it happen. Where that girl gets the idea that people were being trampled is beyond me. Everyone stopped and walked out throught the entire side of the tent in a calm manner. So nothing too dramatic. There were a few paramedics on site afterwards and they just told me a glass of water would sort it out, which it did. I don't remember from doing first aid courses that they include extinguisher inhalation treatment.

Finally I would like you to consider if the editor had gone with "fire extinguisher let off in marquee" or "no extinguisher without fire" would you be having this conversation?

(I believe that is the correct use of the ?)

To all the turd heads on here
Always pick up a turd at its clean end.
especially if its for drying and smoking
no wonder you got strange smells.

If someone witnessed the use of illegal substances at this event, did the person report the usage to the event organizers, security and police?
If not why not. If this event is aimed at families then surely that is the sensible thing to do rather than to let the users continue which may be a factor which causes the event to be cancelled next year.

Shady81 wrote:

crispyjay wrote:

Shady81 wrote:

crispyjay wrote:
Shady - you can roll a turd in glitter but it's still a turd.

If you are going to ask questions then use a question mark not a mixture of question marks and exclamation marks. Then and only then will I answer.

This event was advertised as family friendly. If this is your idea of family friendly then the country is doomed.

Remember, children are our future. It's our job as responsible parents to protect our children from "bad things" not expose them.

If people were smoking drugs, maybe they were injecting too. Should let our children play with the needles?

Anyway crispy - im still pretty sure its polish it :) so do you think a big festival thats allows children doesnt have any drugs at it ? ( just a ? mark that time ) . im pretty **** sure there was no injecting going on ! thats just putting this and the boscombe problems together and coming up with ridiculous comments ! I don't know about heroin use but I'm pretty sure its not used as a social drug? and as for smoking cannabis that makes people less rowdy than drinking but which is the legal drug ? so when i take my child to the supermarket should i not take them near or let them see the alcohol aisle because its a "bad thing" ?

Shady - do you belong to the 40 watt club?

oh good one !!!! i thought you answered questions that had question marks ? all you have seemed to do is try and insult me !!! and answered no questions !

Shady, are you the real slim shady? If so please stand up.

How on earth do you compare a drug and alcohol fuelled "community" event to a supermarket? That's why I questioned your membership credentials.

Same old Echo only reporting the 1 small bad thing that happend. I thouroughly enjoyed the fair and was there with friends who had their children with them.

The atmosphere was fantastic, the children were loving it and if you're scared of your child hearing a swear you need to pull your head out your a*** and wake up it's the 21st century.

Kids see/hear things all the time, look at the violence of TV. If you wrap your kids in cotton wool they'll end up social rejects.

Obviously tekjoe,foul language is normal for you,your brains must be in your a***,i feel sorry for your children if thats the language you use in front of them.It is NOT what the most of us want to hear,or see on here.

I was at the fair on Saturday and Sunday with my teenager. He did witness people with drugs being removed by security on Friday night when he was there with friends. In fact there was more action taken against those taking drugs by security then you would ever see in the rest of Boscombe.

The security were tough but unobtrusive and the event was the best organised yet. I have been to every one over the last 17 years. It is a wonderful positive weekend on the Boscombe calendar. Everyone particularly loves the dog show and it is great that the arts tent not only has local artists work on show, but an open mike and we heard some great local poets.

Get some perspective on drugs and trouble - have you visited Bournemouth Town Centre any weekend evening? Far more trouble there.

Well done to the BCF organisers. The best ever!!!!

SFF,and i suppose the people who say different are all liars, are they.You most probably have a connection with the "organisers".The others who speak differently have not.Tekjoe is a good example who condones foul language and uses it on here,so you would condone that would you.

Alcohol is often a problem. The solution is to criminalise alcohol and legalise drugs.

Pete Woodley, You don't get out much do you?

A lot more than you sonny boy.

A lot more than you sonny boy.

Actually I have no connection with the organisers. I am a Boscombe resident who looks forward to the Community Fair every year. If people witnessed drug taking they should have reported it to security. There is even hysterical accusations that there may have been users injecting openly at the fair. Utter rubbish.

Do you know that I went to the Cheese Festival in Sturminster Newton the other week and there was a beer tent and even free cider sampling on the site. Someone spoke to me who was clearly drunk - Should I infer from this that the place was full of junkies and should be shut down?

Pete Woodley the council does not give any funding for this event and hates the fact that it is a popular local community event. Presumably they are eying the site for rabbit hutch housing like the BCCA. Of course Kings Park is protected by covenants but when has that stopped them handing Boscombe assets to favoured developers. The Echo has clearly been asked by the Council to put some bad news stories about it on here.

Bad luck Council and your trolls on this thread it was a great success.

The headline should read "Marquee mayhem: three injured and hundreds evacuated from community fair".

To say they were evacuated at the fair lends the sentence a completely different meaning. I can forgive the alliteration but not this, which is important and needed to be said.

SSF,you accuse others of making up false stories,yet you accuse the Echo of putting out bad news stories,and the council of asking them to.You also reckon that those who you dont agree with are trolls.How ridiculous you are with these silly comments.Tekjoe and you,clearly show your mentality.

You really get upset to hear of families having a nice day out in Boscombe don't you? Wonder why that is? Favoured developer, rogue landlord or council worker?

You really get upset to hear of families having a nice day out in Boscombe don't you? Wonder why that is? Favoured developer, rogue landlord or council worker?

Really should be used to the brass neck of a man who accuses me of lying about my experiences of the fair because I am apparently an organiser. So sorry my families enjoyment of the event spoils your hidden agenda.

Were you actually at the fair Mr Woodley? Or were you doing overtime at the Town Hall, double time at the expense of us Boscombe council tax payers.

SFF wrote:
You really get upset to hear of families having a nice day out in Boscombe don't you? Wonder why that is? Favoured developer, rogue landlord or council worker?

What a silly stupid man,you obviously do not know me,as i am certainly NOT a developer(how i wish) rogue landlord (would have made a good one), or council worker (i could not be so rude).There cant be many in town who have not heard of me,or read my other comments,i am, dumbell an ex security man,formerly a shopkeeper,and was for two years, chairman of the council tenants and leaseholders,as was my wife(same surname,believe it or not).Would you like to know my blood group,service numberS.Now tell us who you are.Why did you not believe others who found fault,instead you made out that they are liars,and only you speak the truth.When will you prove that the council asked the Echo to put out bad stories.Dont be too long in making up an excuse.

How about the Echo speaking to other people to get their side of the story.... One sided reporting again!!

Right you have called me a liar, stupid, silly and a dumbell. I have to agree I am stupid, silly and a dumbell (or is it dumbbell?) for engaging with you.

Definition of a troll: someone who joins an internet discussion with the sole purpose of disrupting it.

As you have no other argument than insults I will not be responding to you again.

For those who are interested in seeing what the fair was really like there is a video on youtube if you search Boscombe Community Fair 2012 (BCF).

SFF wrote:
Right you have called me a liar, stupid, silly and a dumbell. I have to agree I am stupid, silly and a dumbell (or is it dumbbell?) for engaging with you.

Definition of a troll: someone who joins an internet discussion with the sole purpose of disrupting it.

As you have no other argument than insults I will not be responding to you again.

Thanks,it must be difficult for you not to have your own way.I am sure the others who saw a different side of the event,will be pleased not to be made out to be liars,which i never called you but you called them.

I am one of the organisers of the event. I am saddened by the act of the one person who set off this extinguisher. Apart from this one act, it really was a wonderful weekend, enjoyed by many.

Watch this video, relive the good times and we will be back next year. If you've not been in the past 17 years, please do next year. You may just enjoy it :)

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=8SQOtT4D_
9k

ashleycross wrote:
Dont let drunks or alcohol into the fair if you don't want people to do stupid dangerous things. Alcohol and children are a really bad mix so if you are aiming this at families don't allow alcohol. There are plenty of places you can go to to get drunk in Boscombe or anywhere else. And don't all post saying this will drive people to taking illegal drugs. People take illegal drugs because they are idiots who want to show off not because they can't have alcohol.

You really think people become addicts to 'show off'? What a Crass,naive comment.

ashleycross wrote:
The original founders of this fair wanted it to be dry ie no alcohol but got over-ridden. I agree with a previous poster that if you can't enjoy yourself without having alcohol you have a problem. Any GP can refer you to the drug and alcohol service for help as you are alcohol dependent. Being unable to relax without alcohol is a clear indication of mental health issues which you are entitled to help with from the NHS You don't have to be breaking into a sweat when you haven't had a drink for an hour or so, that is the next stage. Being miserable without it and unable to cope with other people's company is the first stage.Get help if this is you.

I hope you fall off your' impossibly 'High Horse'.

crispyjay wrote:
Shady - you can roll a turd in glitter but it's still a turd.

If you are going to ask questions then use a question mark not a mixture of question marks and exclamation marks. Then and only then will I answer.

This event was advertised as family friendly. If this is your idea of family friendly then the country is doomed.

Remember, children are our future. It's our job as responsible parents to protect our children from "bad things" not expose them.

If people were smoking drugs, maybe they were injecting too. Should let our children play with the needles?

This really annoys me..Some people were smoking weed.So obviously some prat has to mention jacking up & needles.

Why is it that people equate smoking a bit of cannabis with injecting heroin/cocaine or whatever? Another stereotypical view about drugs & a misinformed one at that.