AFTER the sunshine of last week, Bank Holiday Monday was somewhat disappointingly cool and cloudy.
Nevertheless, Wokingham Lions Club volunteers were up early to prepare this year’s May Fayre.
The club’s hard-working team of around 40 members organises a range of fundraisers throughout the year to support good causes in the borough.
At 6am they were out marking stall locations, remaining throughout the day, collecting litter, overseeing activities and making sure the event ran smoothly – which it did.
Other fundraisers organised by the Lions include Swimathons, #Woky Comedy nights, Wokingham Walks, Wokingham Music Club, Wokingham Winter Carnival, quiz nights, Wokingham Firework Spectacular, Classic Motor Shows – all of which help the town and its community to thrive.
Despite the Bank Holiday chill, Wokingham town centre was filled with crowds of visitors determined to enjoy the Lions’ May Fayre.
Wearing winter coats and hoods people took mini train rides, cuddled ferrets, watched the ancient art of Morris dancing, and enjoyed a range of entertainment from borough performers.
The Fayre was officially opened by Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Rob Comber and mini Mayor Celia Chandler, who is a pupil at Evendons Primary School.
Wokingham Lions club president Andy Goffin, and Lions mascot Leo the lion joined them.
Andy Goffin thanked all the volunteers who had helped to make the event a great success, and the many visitors who turned out to enjoy the Fayre.
Andy and his committee of seven had planned the event for many months, and the Lions say it takes around 1,000 hours of voluntary work to organise.
Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Rob Comber said: “This annual tradition brings colour and fun to our wonderful town.
“But these events don’t happen by magic – they take time, effort and a whole lot of commitment.
“Thank you, Lions, for this brilliant festival which not only gives families a day of entertainment, but also raises a lot of money for local charities.
“As members of Wokingham Town Council we see the May Fayre as more than just stalls and games.
“It’s an example of community, and it reminds us of the wonderful and caring community that we have here in Wokingham.”
Around 150 charitable and commercial stalls lined Denmark Street and Erfstadt Court towards Elms Field.
There, visitors could also enjoy a funfair, food stalls and picnics.
A fire engine gave young fair-goers the chance to sit in the driving seat or try on fire-fighting gear, and young high fliers could enjoy bungee trampolining.
Performers on the day included: Dance Zone, Rock Choir, Woodley Concert band, Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow, East Berkshire Operatic Society, jazz from Acoustic Jess, Phoenix Ukulele Band, Saint Sebastian Band, Berkshire Music Trust, Wokingham Brass and Wind bands, Artemis performers, and local band Revolver.
Mingling entertainers included: Berkshire Bedlam Morris dancers, female acapella quartet Alpha Waves, Taeppa’s Tump NW Morris dancers, and Bubble Fairy.
And a mini train gave rides around Elms Field, where a children’s farm and racing ferrets provided animal interest.
Proceeds from this successful event will support numerous borough good causes.
Last year the lions raised £67,000 through its fundraisers.
The group thanks Wokingham Town Council for generously contributing to the May Fayre.
For information, visit: wokinghamlions.org.uk and: wokingham-tc.gov.uk
