Tadley Treacle Fair draws in the crowds
Thousands of people turned out for the annual Tadley Treacle Fair on Sunday, described as a “roaring” success.
As per of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations, the popular fair – organised by the Loddon Valley Lions (LVL) – returned to its traditional date of the first Sunday in June.
It was opened by the deputy mayor of Basingstoke, David Leeks – and featured many of the usual attractions, including fairground rides, arena events, plus trade, craft and charity stands, as well as a tea tent, food court and licensed bar.
The president of the LVL club, Vanessa Tolson-Goddard, said: “It went amazingly, much better than we thought because we were competing with so many other things.
“We thought by Sunday everybody would’ve spent their money and not come but we had thousands of people.”
Fair regulars David and Marion Canning held their usual stand selling calendars in aid of Basingstoke and District Cat Protection, and with model railways on display.
Mr Canning said: “It was on the go all day at our stand with the layouts as popular as they have been for many years now.
“The swimming pool never seems to lose amazement even in these days of computers and technology.”
He added they had sold 12 calendars in aid of the charity.
In previous years, the total amount raised from the fair has reached as high as £11,000.
This year’s total is still being counted, with the proceeds going towards several local community groups and organisations, rather than just three.
Local groups will be able to apply for around £500 for things they need, such as new bookshelves or play equipment.
There was also a special Melvin Jones award presentation – named after the Lions’ founder and given to members of Lions clubs for their commitment to both “Lionism” and the wider community.
Martin Slatford, a member of the LVL for almost 40 years and also a governor of Basingstoke College of Technology and chair of Baughurst Parish Council, was the worthy recipient.
The Tadley Treacle Fair was started many years ago by the Scouts, and was named after a myth involving treacle mines on Saunders Field in Tadley, where the fair is located.
