The entry fee for this Summer Fair, designed to please everyone, was just the start of this community focused event. Summer fairs across the nation are a traditional way for communities to come together, in a fun few hours, with family and friends. There are some stalwart stalls, micro events, kids activities and generally cake! The Cheadle Summer Fair organised by St Giles the Abbot Church in the Guild hall on the 13th was no exception, but had some lovely additions too.
There is a great deal of work involved in creating a summer fair, with many people working incredibly hard not just on the day, but in the weeks and months of preparation that's required to produce a successful fair. There was a lot to see.
There was a preloved clothes stall, with everything neatly folded and in excellent condition, whilst the bric-a-brac stall had lots of variety. Both great ways of finding new homes for items and raising funds too.
The candle stall really impressed me, made from recycled church candles, nicely made, styles included floating types and early Christmas tree candles. The gentleman maker told me that the worst part of the make is getting the wick into the mounds.
Fundraising stalls included a guess the Teddy Bear's Birthday activity, where a contribution of a pound might secure you the ownership of the Birthday Bear himself. A traditional raffle with some lovely prizes was also popular.
Sandra, who had a stall supporting Breast Cancer work, explained it's important to get it discovered early, and reminded us that men can get it too. Work is expanding to monitor and cure secondary cancer which is becoming more important than primary cancer these days.
Jess's stall was a lovely commercial stall, selling scented burners creating a divine fragrance.
Julia's stall, (pictured right), provided a display of lovely crocheted creatures she'd created, all seeking a new home. Each one takes several evenings to knit. I selected a few which now sit nicely on my car dashboard. Selection was tricky with over 50 to choose from.
After all the excitement, sustenance was required for this reporter, a perfect bacon roll was provided by the St Giles ladies who also organised tea, cake and biscuits for all.
The church ladies, preloved jewellery provided a pretty addition and an appeal for people to spring clean their jewellery boxes which provides stock for their next event. A lovely way to recycle something you no longer need and raise some funds too.
There was a young lady at the back of the hall who was a Girl Guide, hoping to travel aboard. Her stall offered a sweet shop card game to raise funds for her journey - it was very professionally put together and we wish her well with her travel plans.
Reverend Garry Higgs, St Giles Minister, was offering postcards of the recent Cheadle Moon event, which was hosted at St. Giles and was a huge recent success for the town as a reminder of the event.
Andrea and Tracy's stall, for me was a most caring space, spotlighting young people's cardiac risk and raising money to provide screening for heart disease. They were also helping to get homeless people off the streets, who have no bank account or address, and have been rough sleeping. Both are very worthwhile causes, with the two ladies a perfect example of the caring attitude that reflects the people of our Town.
Long may this tradition continue.
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