Treacle fair a roaring success

More than £9,000 was raised for charity at the Tadlet Treacle Fair on Sunday

THIS year's Tadley Treacle Fair was a roaring success with thousands of visitors raising more than £9,000 for charity.

The annual event took place at Saunders Field, Tadley, on Sunday and was officially opened by the mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, David Leeks, at midday.

Loddon Valley Lions Club organised the fair, which raised more than £9,000 for two charities: Thrive Trunkwell Garden Project for the disabled, which is based at Beech Hill near Stratfield Mortimer and Evie's Journey.

Evie Herbert, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl who lives in Sherfield-on-Loddon, which is local to the Loddon Valley Lions Club, was born 11 weeks premature, weighing 3lbs 4 oz, at Taunton neonatal intensive. She also has quadriplegia cerebral palsy.

This year's fair had of live displays from the likes of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Solent Eagles Motorcycle Club.

There was also live dance routines, a craft marquee, trade and charity stands, fairground rides and children's entertainment.

Visitors also enjoyed a display of vintage vehicles, including steam and stationary engines, tractors, cars and motorcycles.

Colin Gifford, who has been a member of the Loddon Valley Lions for ten years and helped organise the event, said: “It was a very successful day - everyone enjoyed themselves.

“Unfortunately because the organisers are very busy on the day we miss a lot of the activities but everything went off without a hitch.

“We're glad to raise such a great amount again. We also try to support local charities.”

Loddon Valley Lions Club would like to thank The Pelican Inn, Pamber Heath, for providing the bar tent.

For more information visit the Loddon Valley Lions CLub website by clicking the link below.