Record day at Pulborough’s harvest fair

Organised by Pulborough Community Partnership, it essentially started as a village community event and now attracts people from all over West Sussex to see events, crafts and food from across the county.

New traditional events for children included sack races and Punch and Judy – also much enjoyed by the parents!

As always the children enjoyed the teddy bears floating from the top of the church tower suspended on helium-filled balloons and making scarecrows for the competition judged this year by Dr Tim Fuchs.

The highlight event in the arena was a birds of prey display, sponsored by Kimber Estates, the principle sponsor of the day; the birds swooped through the crowds back to Sally Buckland, who ran the display.

A spokesman for the Harvest Fair said: “One bird went well out of the field area and out of sight and everybody thought it might have gone to the RSPB for a meal! But it returned to the call and picked up the lure, to everybody’s delight.

“At the centre of the extensive food area, West Chiltington Silver Band, sponsored by So India, Pulborough’s famous authentic Indian restaurant, kept drinkers and picknickers entertained during the afternoon as they ate everything from So India’s curries to hog roast topped off by crepes.”

During the afternoon the Thakeham Morris Men kept everybody entertained with informal dances throughout the site and a display in the arena.

The arena had continuous displays including gun dogs, llamas and a pet competition with so many dogs and other animals that Arun Vets was reported to have had difficulty deciding the winner.

Rob Aylott, the event organiser, said: “It is wonderful to see the community coming together around the Fair and enjoying themselves - many people catch up with people they have not seen for ages, which is great.

“The dedicated team who have made this possible are the real unsung heroes of the day as well as our sponsors who make this event possible and allow us to give to local youth groups any profits – we always, however, need others to join the team!”

To follow what is going on and what people say about the Harvest Fair readers can visit www.facebook.com/pulboroughharvestfair or follow on twitter@pulboroughfair