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Redland’s hot 2009 event overcomes chilly weather
It looked like good weather for hot food sellers, and indeed their
business - like the weather - was brisk. |
| As usual the Ambling Band heralded the
opening of proceedings and provided a lively acoustic and visual
stimulus to lift the spirits. The music programme was taken up by
excellent performances from the Redland Wind Band and the Gasworks
Singers. The Pan Woman Steel Band took to their drums and gave us an
acoustic-glimpse of tropical sun and rhythm. Once again the rousing
Bristol Pipe Band provided a wonderful finale to the event.
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| Entertainments The Circomedia Circus Skills Workshop provided interactive entertainment and no doubt launched the careers of many future jugglers and entertainers. Fizzy and indefatigable, Fez the Jester engaged and entertained a young and not so young audience throughout most of the afternoon – the chilly wind forgotten. However, he faced stiff competition from the engaging performances of Mr. Brown’s Puppets and stories woven by Cassandra. Back in the Arena, The Pigsty Morris Dancers provided colour and exhibited precision and synchronisation in an admirable group of “Sets”. Amazing that this dancing tradition was almost lost and only rescued and revived about 100 years ago when it had all but disappeared from memory. The church doors were open all afternoon for those who wanted to see its splendid interior.
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| Stalls The stalls represented the whole range of people who live in our community with stalls from local campaigning organisations, charities, schools, craftspeople, community groups and commercial traders. There was an enormous variety of products on sale including rugs, jewellery, cakes, crafts, plants, clothes, furniture and books.
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| Our charity As last year, we had a number of volunteers giving out programs and shaking collection buckets throughout the afternoon. Generous contributions produced over £1,000 for The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. The trust was established in 1991 to provide support for the many people who, almost invisibly, act as carers for other family members.
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| Volunteering – making it
happen The fair is completely dependent upon the work of volunteers both to help with a variety of tasks on the day and to organise the event in the RMF committee. This year we had a great group of volunteers. This cohort is still principally made up of volunteers from Redland Church. However each year the volunteer group has spread its net wider and it is remarkable how much people enjoy being involved - once they are. Particular mention this year for the group from BGS, who displayed intelligence, energy and initiative in keeping the traffic and stallholder set-up running smoothly. The committee would like to offer a big thanks to everyone who gave up his or her time to help. The event works well because we have a large group of people which allows us to spread the load. |
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| Click here for a selection of pictures | |
| May Day 2010 falls on Monday 3 May |
| Applications for stalls will be available on this site from 1st January 2010. Any other queries should be addressed to mayfairstallsrcas.org.uk |
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Volunteers to set up and marshal the event
We are always looking for volunteers to help with this local community event, so if you can assist in any way at all, whether it be on the organising committee or just by giving some of your time on the day, please contact us on mayfairinfo@rcas.org.uk We currently have a particular requirement for someone who likes crafting words and graphics. |
| Anyone wishing to advertise in our programme email mayfairinfo@rcas.org.uk |
Here's some video footage of the 1986 May Fair - see if you can recognise yourself or someone you know...
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