Tadley Treacle Fair a success once again

Organised by the Loddon Valley Lions, the fair proved a resounding success, with the amount raised for mainly local charities still being totted up as the NWN went to press, but with high hopes that a similar amount to last year’s £10,000 has been raised.
One of the organisers, Nigel Quelch, said: “We are optimistic it will be a good amount raised. Although the entrance fee was only £2 adults, £1 children, people spend money on other things at the fair, “ adding it proved hard, but rewarding voluntary work:
“We arrived at the fair at 7am on Sunday and did not get away until 9pm - some of the Lions went back on Monday morning - and on Wednesday we have to plan it all again for next year,” he said.
The Lions, he continued, would erect a notice displaying the total amount raised at the roadside opposite the Saunders Field venue, following a meeting yesterday (Wednesday).
The fair started with a horse and carriage procession from Burnham Copse Primary School through the town, with pupils Poppy Taylor, aged ten and Benjamin Givan aged 11, both from Tadley, crowned ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ for the day.
They were accompanied in the carriage by the new mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Roger Gardiner - also the borough councillor for Pamber and Silchester (Con) - and his wife, Tricia, the new mayoress.
Mr Gardiner then opened the fair at 1pm, followed by a presentation of a Good Citizens Award, to president of Loddon Valley Lions, David Fowler, made by chairman of Tadley Town Council David Leeks.
Mr Fowler accepted the award on behalf of 37 members of the Lions and to mark the group’s services to the local community over the last 30 years.
The fair then got into full swing, with main arena attractions including a display by the Reading Scottish Pipe Band, Eagle Heights Flying Display (birds of prey) and performances by Danze Phaze, and a parade of vintage vehicles
The fair was preceded by a concert in the Saunders Field venue on Friday May 30, with top London band, Revoc Rocks, attended by approximately 70 people, with the return the following afternoon of the Picnic in the Park, where several hundred people turned up with chairs, tables, flags and bunting to sing along to popular songs – including favourites from both world wars – with Tadley Singers accompanied by Tadley Concert Brass band.
The evening ended with a Last Night of the Proms-style finale.