Cootes Farm fayre success

About 300 people attended the event, which is supported by local volunteers, businesses, residents and charities.

The fayre offered plenty of food and drink, children’s activities, contests, and a local band called ‘Double Dare’ who put on a wonderful show from the large stage, featuring local lead singer Paul Wingham and other local musicians.

Guiding the action was local MC Chris Aldridge, a senior newsreader for BBC Radio 4 and a local resident who has participated in the Fayre since 2012. This year also featured a scarecrow competition, which was won by Betty Mills. Raffle prizes included £100 cash, West End theatre tickets, a Fortnum & Mason hamper and many others donated by local businesses.

“We first staged the event in 2011 to celebrate the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,” said Fayre organizer Steve Swain.

“But it’s been so popular that we’ve held it every June since then.”

Trafalgar Ward Councilor Christine Costin has been a supporter of the event since the beginning, and judges the competitions.

“This local community group has grown in strength over the last few years and has a knack of entertaining people of all ages at their summer event, as well as reaching out to neighbours who need help and support all year round,” Christine said.“They are a perfect example of what can be done when everyone works together.”

Cootes Farm Community was established in 2011 as a non-political, non-religious, not-for- profitcommunity group based in the Cootes Green area.

Proceeds from the Fayre are used to facilitate the event and contribute to a local charity partner which this year was The Springboard Project.