My friend Trevor, the owner of Present-Time in Market street, certainly entered into the spirit of the occasion by dressing the part, although he said he hadn't had many customers as usual (can you wonder, dressed like that! - Ed).
Unfortunately, Little Willie was banished from the market place as being too noisy and smoky, and not being steam-powered or clockwork! I tried to explain she 'runs like clockwork', but I was told 'rules is rules'!
They were watching - and listening - to a group of some sort or another performing next to the market cross (perhaps you could call them 'steamy groupies? - Ed). Anyway, just then a dark cloud appeared overhead and, not wishing to receive another soaking, I made my excuses and left the corseted ladies to do their thing, whatever thing it was they were a-doing of, and went back to where I'd left my Little Willie on a cold and damp Saturday afternoon.
I returned later, just after 4 o'clock, and the town centre was 'heaving', so it looks like the event was a great success!