"Why me?" was the question I asked when approached to open St Mary's Christmas Fair this year. I was told it was because I had attended a great many and perhaps would have some memories I would like to share. It was later suggested I should put some of the memories I mentioned into the Pump; hence this article.
The first fair I attended was in 1955, when of course everyone would have arrived smartly dressed and wearing hats. I was very excited as Father Christmas was coming, as he will be later today, and there would be lots of things to buy. But before anything like this happened we children had to stand and listen to a dignitary open the event. He, or she, would be on the stage, which used to be where the alcove is, along with the Rector and his wife, Churchwardens and Church Council officers. A formal vote of thanks would be given and later they would all return to the stage and be served tea at a laid table.