TEWKESBURY FAIR SOCIETY

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2005

Dear Member.

Welcome to our newsletter No.18. In this issue we are pleased to be able to reproduce the report on the 2004 Mop Fair and our Model Show, from the WORLD'S FAIR, the showmen’s newspaper, which the vast majority of members have not seen. This is with the kind permission of the Editor, and the local area reporter.
Our Model Show was again a tremendous success after moving to the larger venue of the Methodist Church Hall, which has already been booked for this years show. I would also like to thank Roger Workman of Cotteswold Dairy for sponsoring our model show last year.
Since the last newsletter your committee has been busy as usual in promoting the Mop and the Society, at the various events that we have attended, e.g. Dingles Steam Village open weekend, Hull Fair and the Long Eaton Model Show. We have also acquired an old fairground stall which we are transforming into our new sales and publicity stand, which we hope to have ready in time for the Mop.
Please note the Diary of Forthcoming Events at the end of this newsletter, in particular the venue for the A.G.M. on June29th. Once again I should like to thank the committee on behalf of all the members for their efforts during the last twelve months, and also, I thank you, the members, for your continued support of the Society.

Dave Fellows Chairman.

Model Show & Mop Fair

The Society has offered to restore some of the fairground models in Tewkesbury Museum. Built by Mr. A. Salt from Southampton in the late 1950’s and completed when he was 72 the fairground consists of a Ferris Wheel, Gallopers, Steam Yachts, Swing Boats, Chair-o-Planes, Shooting gallery, Coconut shy and many more. He also made over 400 model figures and some groups in various activities which add character to the fair. After taking the fair to many shows throughout the country Mr. Salt offered to sell it to Tewkesbury Borough Council but refused as they thought it to extravagant. Subsequently purchased by Councilor Husband and given as a gift to the Borough. It was put on display in the town hall basement for a short time and later remained unused until 1981. The Borough Council then decided that the museum trustees should take care of them. Volunteers of the museum then took on the large task of sorting out the pieces then repairing and assembling them to the condition they are today. We are hoping to start this winter on the restoration of the Ferris wheel and hope to have it working for next year. Eventually they hope to get more of the models working so that visitors can see and feel the fair coming alive.
Donations to the cost of restoration would be very much appreciated, if you can help. Please contact the society for details.

Hospital Fete

Last years Hospital fete was a change for the society. Due to our joint loaned to us by Charlie Smith being unavailable, we were able to use the half size striker built by society member Dave Kennison. This proved to be very popular, and we had lots of people to try their luck. This enabled us to collect nearly fifty pounds for the Hospital League of Friends. We are hoping to present it again this year, so if you want to try your skill come and visit us.

EVENTS CALENDAR

29th June - Fair Society A.G.M. at Berkley Arms, Church Street, Tewkesbury
7.30pm start.

1st October - T.F.S. Model Show at Methodist Church Hall, The Cross, Tewkesbury 10.00am to 4.00pm

6th October - Showman’s Social at Berkley Arms, Church Street, Tewkesbury
7.30pm start.

7th & 8th October Tewkesbury Mop Fair

DURING THE YEAR WE SHALL BE AT THE FOLLOWING VENUES:

25th & 26th - June M.S.R.V.S. Steam Rally, Tewkesbury Rugby Club.

29th to 31st July - Welland Steam Rally

24th & 25th September - Dingles Steam Village Fairground Weekend

19th November - Long Eaton Model Show

We Hope To See You There!