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Arnesby May Fayre 29 May 2006

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Another successful and enjoyable day was had by all at the 26th Arnesby May Fayre on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 May. In spite of the poor weather, around 4,000 people, somewhat lower than last year, visited the village and just over £10,000 was raised for local organisations and amenities.
Visitors who braved the chilly northerly wind and the occasional showers enjoyed the usual mix of live entertainment, over 50 stalls to browse and a selection of eating places. The main 800 space car park approached capacity at around mid day and the hot drinks, barbeque and other refreshment outlets were at full stretch from early on. We were especially lucky that an enormous black cloud went past the village at lunchtime without spilling a drop.
The Fayre featured the sixth running of the 5 mile Cross country race from Arnesby to Shearsby and Bruntingthorpe. A record 110 runners took part in the two races (adults and juniors) which is now firmly established in the local running club calendar. Winners this year were: Men - Graham Patton (Sphinx AC) in 32 mins 27sec, Ladies - Sandra Grimes (The Owls) in a new course record 33:22. Christopher Burke won the boys race also in a new course record time of 14:42 and Imogen Murray won the girls race in a time of 18:18. Full Results»»
Live musical entertainment was provided by the Wigston Brass Band who gave two concerts from the village hall, the country, rock and jazz band The Lizzards performed throughout the day from a stage on the village green and the string quartet Arcturus gave two concerts in St Peter’s Church. Other entertainers included a stilt-walking clown and balloon model maker, a children’s magic act, a display of falconry, and the Bakanalia Border Morris group. Some stocks with a supply of cold water sponges provided a chance for volunteers to cool down.

Exhibits featured a “Craft Village” organised by Carol Greenwood with local people demonstrating their skills in traditional and country crafts, including beading, spinning & felting, corn dollies and patchwork. There was also a display of Karate skills and a master class for people to get some experience of the sport. Peter Welton, the renowned water colour artist, opened his studio and gallery. Children of Arnesby Church of England School performed a traditional Maypole dance on the village green. Another scarecrow competition was run for villagers to make and display a scarecrow on the theme, this year, of Sporting Heroes. Many scarecrows were shown around the village to the amusement of visitors and the winning entry was Eddie the Eagle, perched precariously high on a roof. The day was rounded off for villager helpers with a ploughman's supper at the village hall and entertainment on the lorry/stage by local
performers. Click here for a photograph album of the day
More photos from Adehl

The organising committee would like to thank all the helpers who made the day another success. Many people work really hard before, during and after the day and without this generous donation of time and effort (as well as more material donations) the Fayre could not go ahead, let alone succeed.

Jacque Shorrocks, Liza Welton, Mike Brown, Debbie Dunn and Terry Emmony.

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