Summer Fair Success!

Geoff Russell opening the event

Despite the threats from the weather forecast, the summer fair went down a storm! (pardon the pun) . We had about 500 people who braved the weather to see what the day had in store.  Luckily for them (and us) we only had one short shower all day.  Market Drayton's very own Town Crier, Geoff Russell, opened the event for us - he was almost as loud as Chris Eldon Lee on the tannoy!

Ellesmere spinners guild

By 9.30, all the stall holders were set up in the farmers’ market and craft fair and with 25 stalls to peruse, there was a lot to choose from. The Ellesmere spinners taught a few people, young and old how to get yarn from fleece; Alistair Dargue intrigued people with his spoon carving and the Victorian Farm Butter company created some fresh, handmade butter the traditional way – using double cream, salt and lots of elbow grease!

Making butter - the hard way.

Kylie & Thomas holding the snake that I stroked

Simon Airy and his exotic pets kept crowds entertained for hours... and hours! He was informative and funny, both children and adults loved him and his pets, even the stall holders said they enjoyed listening to him and that they learnt something new.  I stroked a snake, I was too scared to hold it though!

Kaleidoscope Theatre

Kaleidoscope Theatre pulled at the heart strings with some beautiful performances, the young actors had the crowd captivated and throughout the day, I heard so many people comment on how much they enjoyed watching them perform.

May Pole dancing

Maggie Love got everyone going in circles, dancing around the may pole to some traditional folk music played by Geoff Turner on his hurdy-gurdy!

In the picnic area, children had the chance to create some wildlife masterpieces out of clay and do some bug hunting at the same time!  In the pig arc, Andy Hawkins was telling some very exciting stories and slowly pulling the crowds his way.

Off for a ride - hold tight!

All day long, the tractor trundled around the farm with trailer loads of people enjoying the sites and stories of Fordhall.  For those who wanted to explore on foot, Wrekin Orienteers had set up a course for people to try not to get too lost on!  And if you made it down to the River Tern, Peter Dykes was giving people a go at fishing.  Younger adventurers could take a ride on a donkey through Fordhall's fields.

A big, big thank you to all the volunteers who came and worked hard all day – without them the event just wouldn’t work!  Also, thank you to all stall holders, demonstrators and entertainers who came, the event was a great success! 

Until next year…

Becca, Activities Coordinator