DESPITE pouring rain, crowds gathered in Wokingham for the town’s May Fayre on bank holiday Monday.
By 6am that morning, a small army of volunteers were busy setting up the Wokingham Lions Club fundraising event, which generates money for borough charities and organisations.
Chair of the May Fayre Organising Committee and vice president of the Wokingham Lions Andy Goffin, said: “It was already raining when we arrived to mark out the stalls, and it wasn’t long before we were a team of 50 or so very wet and soggy marshalls.
“There was a short break in the downpour, but by noon it was back with a vengeance.
“It is a bit difficult to see that this week’s weather forecast is for warmth and sunshine, but we’re delighted that so many people turned out to come and have fun despite the rain.
“There were lots of happy faces, and most of what we had planned was able to go ahead.”
The May Fayre was opened by Wokingham Town mayor Sally Gurney, mini mayor Leah Vaz, and Wokingham Lions Club president Lyn Baily.
Events on the two main stages, on Denmark Street and in Elms Field, entertained visitors throughout the day.
There was a wide range of stalls to visit, and children were able to enjoy fairground rides, along with a slightly condensed petting zoo.
Shetland ponies and pigs there didn’t seem to mind the rain, and visiting ferrets enjoyed racing through tunnels or reclining in their dry hammocks.
“We had good footfall, considering the weather,” Mr Goff continued, “and most of the stallholders were happy, with a couple of the charities making considerable amounts for their organisations.
“It was lovely to see so many happy children clutching balloons, and prizes they had won.
“Our team of Lions and volunteers all mucked in and got the job done, with the great result that we have raised a considerable amount of money for people in need.”
The Lions Club is now looking forward to two of its next big fundraisers: The Classic Motor Show, on Saturday, June 15; and the Winter Carnival, on Sunday, November 24.
This year is the Wokingham Lions Club’s 50th anniversary, during which they are giving out 50 Golden Awards to borough organisations.
Some of the proceeds of the May Fayre will go towards these awards.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the May Fayre team, for their dedication and perseverance in difficult conditions,” said Mr Goffin.
“A big thanks, too, to the friendly and helpful stallholders, for bearing with us and appreciating the effort involved in setting up the May Fayre, and to everyone who came along to have fun.”
For more information, visit: www.wokinghamlions.org.uk
