There was lots of fun to be had at the Tadley Treacle Fair

Thousands of visitors attended one of Tadley’s biggest community events to have a great day out and raise money to help and support those who need it.

Organised and run by the Loddon Valley Lions Club, the annual Tadley Treacle Fair always features a wide array of family-orientated entertainment and attractions.

This year’s fair, which took place on Sunday, June 4, was no exception, and the Lions Club is hopeful that the fair raised between £12,000 and £15,000.

All the money will go towards supporting the humanitarian work the club does in Tadley and the surrounding area.

Loddon Valley Lions Club member John Goodchild said: “It was a fantastic day. Jez Avery the stunt person was the star of the show in his little buggies.

“He kept everybody thoroughly delighted. They were several deep around the arena while he was performing.”

Other main arena attractions included a performance from local dance group Dance Phaze, a martial arts display from Matt Fiddes Martial Arts and an Ashford Hill School Choir concert.

There was also a craft fair within a large marquee near the arena which contained several local traders and charitable organisations.

Mr Goodchild said: “Most of the trade, craft and charitable stalls that I talked to all said that they’d had a good day.”

The Treacle Fair featured several typical fete offerings, such as a coconut shy, tombola, a licensed bar – courtesy of Tadley Calleva FC – and a bric-a-brac stall.

There was also ferret racing with the Hants & Berks Ferret Club, a performance from the Alley Cats Jazz Band and a human fruit machine courtesy of Reading Lions Club, among other attractions such as a display of vintage and classic cars.

The Treacle Fair derives its name from a legend dating back to the late 19th century, which claims that there were treacle mines located in the village, and until well into the 20th century the locals were referred to as Tadley treacle miners.

It is the Loddon Valley Lion Club’s main fundraiser, alongside its Father Christmas tour every winter.

Mr Goodchild, who will become the new Loddon Valley Lions Club president in July, made a plea for “new, younger and more able-bodied members” to join so that the club can continue to run these events and continue to “support the local community in the future”.

Those interested in joining the club should visit the Loddon Valley Lions Club website at www.loddonvalleylions.org

Mr Goodchild added: “We’d be very grateful if anyone in our area wants to come along and support us.”