A BIG THANK YOU

The Medieval Fayre is a church fete with a difference,
but what a difference!

The first Fayre was held in 1978, so this year’s will be the 30^th, quite an achievement in itself!  It was launched as a fund-raising exercise towards the Restoration Fund which itself was instigated to raise funds for the restoration of the stonework of the church building. This restoration cost over £100,000, and the funds were gradually collected with the aid of grants and the work done! The Fayre continued to raise funds towards the fabric of the church until the cost of the day-to-day running of the church became too much to be provided only from the collections in church. At this time the income from the Fayre then became part of the general income of the church.

Since the beginning, one of the highlights has been the theme, usually a historical character - real or fictitious - which set the time period and encouraged stall-holders to dress in costume for that time. It also encourages the local schools to join in with art-work, which they continue to do year after year.

The theme for 2006 was “King John & the Magna Carta” which can be seen in one of the photographs in the picture gallery. The banners were made for us by the Witham Art Club, so you can see that the Fayre involves many groups in the Witham community.

If you look at the picture gallery you will see a whole range of activities that take place in the church grounds, outside on the road & within the church. Chipping Hill is closed for the duration of the Fayre, and used for Morris Dancers, Baton Twirlettes, Tap and Ballet, and Country Dancing.

In the church we are entertained by bands and groups from the schools, interspersed with organ music from our accomplished organists. There is often a highlight entertainment, which has included Knights in Armour and Birds of Prey.

A number of craft stalls line the path towards the church gate at Chipping Hill, which typically range from wicker baskets, through lace making, pyrography, poll lathe turning to corn dollies. Some of the more delicate crafts are often found in the church, for example calligraphy and book binding.

Around the churchyard itself can be found sideshows, sale items and games of chance. The sideshows are aimed mainly at the children. There are also stalls for letting off steam - the China Smash, and showing your skills - kicking the football past the goalie. The Face Painting stall continues to be popular! The younger children also love to bounce on the Bouncy Castle, another regular attraction.

The fayre provides the typical English summer refreshments, with strawberry and cream teas, and home-made cakes, while the Burger Stall provides burgers and hot-dogs with delicious fried onions. 

We hope that we have wetted your appetite. People now come from quite some distance each year and we entertain some 2,000 to 3,000 people during the afternoon. We would be most pleased to welcome you too!