All the fun of the village fair!
Along with hedgerows, tractors and quaint, thatched cottages the village fair is symbolic of rural life in England. Whether it is called a fair, fete, festival or fundraiser, these slightly eccentric gatherings of village communities have become social institutions across the countryside.
Originally a place for the buying and selling of stock, the fair has been a feature of village life since medieval times. While some evolved into larger agricultural shows, the smaller, less commercially driven fair has continued on village greens, in church yards and, of course, in village and community halls, since the 1950s.
With bunting fluttering in the wind and the classic tea tent, complete with cream cakes and a gurgling, steaming tea urn, the scene is set for the quintessential village fair. Trestle tables are piled high with bric-a-brac and homemade produce, from jams and pickles to crafts and knitted items. Coconuts can be won, marrows are measured and strength is displayed with games like tug of war. It is a time to celebrate community spirit and togetherness.
The success of the village fair lies in the stoic mindset of the local communities. The Brits are not easily put off by a bit of bad weather or bad luck. And Painters Forstal is a village full of determination. When we lost the Methodist Chapel that served as the village hall it was initially a great blow to our community. But as the saying goes, everything happens for a reason. The village and surrounding communities pulled together to raise the funds that has resulted in the wonderful venue that now serves as the heart of Painters Forstal.
On Sunday 7th April the hall will hold its first Spring Fair. The traditional tea urn will be ready to welcome visitors and the bunting will be fluttering in a somewhat stormy wind. Craft stalls, with homemade wonders ranging from original paintings, metal sculptures, reclaimed wood products, and some wonderful textiles and jewellery, will show case local skills and talents. Home-made sourdough pizzas and tantalising homemade cakes will be on offer for the peckish.
It will be a day to celebrate many things, not least of all the arrival of spring after a particularly grey and miserable winter. But it will also provide a day to celebrate once again the fabulous achievement of a community who set about bringing their dream of their own village hall to reality through hard work, determination and tenacity.
We hope you can join us.
