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BADBY FAYRE |
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Alex Hopkins - 2007 |
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The Parochial Church Council of St Mary’s Church has set up a committee to arrange BADBY FAYRE every even year since the early 1980s. The purpose is both to raise funds for the maintenance of the church building and to provide an opportunity for the village community to get together for an enjoyable event.
In early 1998, Stuart Hodgkins, the second organiser, started the event in motion then left the village. To entice me to carry on his work, the PCC agreed that the profits that year would go to the scheme to recast the cracked fourth church bell. The bell was sorted out in 2000, but I seem to have kept at it ever since, with magnificent help from many stalwarts. Be warned that I like to search out newcomers to the village and get them to help next time round (2010)
For newcomers, the event is always held on the afternoon of the first Sunday in September of even years – and coincides with the annual flower and vegetable show staged by the Horticultural Society. The Church, Chapel and The Green (which is closed to traffic) are used for exhibitions, craft stalls, brass band, Morris dancers and games. Fennell’s Field is filled with a large collection of vintage tractors and agricultural machinery by David Fennell and Don Baseley and their many enthusiastic friends. Car parking is provided at Challis’ yard, the School and the Sports Field.
The run up to the 2008 Fayre saw some continuously wet and cold weather to such an extent that the amusements contractor didn’t turn up and the machinery exhibition in Fennell’s Field had to called off on safety reasons. Just after the band had been directed to a dry venue in the church, the sun began to shine and continued until we were clearing away when the weather returned to its wet and devastating pattern. With such an uncertain run up, we raised £2,600 for church building restoration, well over half of the bumper 2006 figure. Many thanks to the very many people who helped to set up, prepare and run stalls and draw, donate goods and prizes, produce and materials, advertise the day, clear away and to all those who came along to spend their money.
The money goes towards repairs that are always needed to a building that is basically from the 13th – 18th centuries and to improve the rear section of the church and the heating over the next couple of years.
If you have any bright new ideas for the 2010 Fayre, tell me now before you forget!!
Geoff Pullin organiser 01327 871806
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