Chiswick Summer Fair Proves to be a Big Hit

Jeremy Vine and Sheila Hancock help make it a bumper year for funds raised

The Chiswick Summer Fair took place on 9th July promising more entertainment and more stalls to raise more money for local charities and they delivered.

A new format for the popular Fair saw a fantastic new craft village with over 30 commercial stalls offering hand crafted goods, jewellery, handbags and glorious display of designer cushions.

Jeremy Vine commentating on the tug of war

This year’s theme was ‘Circus’ with interactive kids’ circus workshops throughout the day by Albert and Friends. Sheila Hancock made a guest appearance to officially open the Fair and together with Georgina Fletcher from Sotheby’s, judged the children’s art competition which was won by Luca (14 months) and Anna-Maria Campbell (aged 8). Later in the day BBC’s Jeremy Vine was on hand to entertain the crowd with his lunchtime charm and to commentate on the tug of war which was won by the Backstage Heavyweights from Maverick Theatre.

Ted and Grace Holden (aged 8) taking part in the kids tug of war

Celebrated photographer Stefan Reimschussel was very popular with a constant queue of models taking advantage of the A list photo-shoot and a print from Snappy Snaps for an unbelievable £5!

A packed entertainment schedule provided back to back music and dance on the main stage. Local rock band Red Rose Empire headlined the event playing a professional set of their own tunes and popular covers, supported by Olivia McShane, a 17 year old rising star and a name to watch for the future. More music from Rad Orchestra, Mango Jango, Pop School and Stage Academy and A Wing and a Prayer kept visitors entertained.

Alex Hogan, (aged 10) and Freya Eastwood (Aged 8) taking part in the kids tug of war

As ever there were some amazing prizes to be won in the Grand Draw including an iPad2, a Burberry handbag and a weekend at a Fuller’s Hotel. Official media partner ChiswickW4.com hosted the online auction of 40 high quality items and experiences including a Porsche for a weekend. The auction was concluded on the Green by Andrew Polnik, Auctioneer from High Road Auctions, raising over £5,000 towards the fair target.

Many local businesses backed the event through their sponsorship and generous donations. The Fair Organising Committee would particularly like to thank; Volvo, Waitrose, Edward D’Arc, The George IV and Fuller’s, The Moran Hotel, ChiswickW4.com, The Park Club, High Road Auctions, Aktiva, Adrenalin Rush, Featherstone Leigh, Sutton Mattocks, Kitchen and Pantry, plus the many other local businesses who have contributed towards the Fair.

Sheila Hancock speaking at the Fair

The Fair, organised by parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Catholic church, raises money for local charities. Peter Holden from the Organising Committee said “we were delighted with a huge turnout. We served a record 1500 meals from our world food and barbecue stalls and both the beer and Pimm’s tents ran out of stock and had to send for more supplies to keep our customers satisfied! Early indicators look positive for another bumper year for our charities. The final figure will be announced in September”.

Tug of War (picture by Tom Doran)

Each year the Fair invites applications from local charities and the Fair Organising Committee reviews these in line with the Fair’s aims of supporting local charities. This year the Fair will support CEDARS, Hounslow Extra Club, Acton Homeless Concern, Hounslow Siblings Group and Age UK (Chiswick). More details about the charities and the Fair can be found at www.chiswicksummerfair.org.uk

July 15, 2011