Chairmans Report
As the autumn season of mellow fruitfulness takes over from the heat wave of May and June, the St John's Fayre day and events will fade a little in our memories. We can be sure
that for the host of visitors and families from near and far, the sights and sounds of Witheridge with all the festivities, banners, bunting, market stalls and music will be a
reminder of what a small but dedicated group of people can achieve when hearts and minds are truly behind the project. Well done team for a fantastic result!
I am pleased to report that the clay shoot, held at Dart Raffe Farm on 19th June, made a profit of £549, with the Fayre weekend puppet show leaving £142 over costs. The Saturday
evening Horse Race night and pig roast made a superb profit of £734. The total cost of putting on the Fayre and fund raising events was £5,842, whilst the total income was £7,709,
enabling a handsome surplus of £1,867 to be consigned to balances to help fund next year’s Fayre and, dare I suggest, the possibility of a rainy day. On behalf of the St John's Fayre
team, I express my sincere thanks to the local business community for the £870 worth of adverts placed in this year’s programme and to Witheridge Parish Council for the £500 grant
towards the ever-increasing cost of event insurance.
Above all our thanks and appreciation to local people, who with friends, family and visitors attend the events and dip so deeply into their pockets, to make it all in every sense
worthwhile. Looking forward to future events, please note that a Mouse Race night, with licensed bar and food, will be held on 16th October - bar open 7pm, first race 7.30. For
tickets, please phone David Taylor on 861151.
On 4th December, 5pm – 6pm, carol singing with a brass band will take place in the Square (in the Church if it is raining or snowing). The singing will be followed by the Christmas
tree lighting ceremony. After many requests by Mums and Dads, the children’s Christmas party is to be reinstated and will take place on 4th December in the Parish Hall immediately
after the tree lighting ceremony. There will be entertainments for the children, good food and, of course, a visit by Father Christmas, who may bring a few little presents. For
planning purposes and due to a strict limit on numbers, early booking is essential, so please phone Debbie on 860270.
After four years as the committee chairman, it was with some sadness that, at our last meeting, I let the committee know of my intention to stand down at the AGM on 2nd November.
We are always looking for new recruits and new ideas, so please come along to our meeting on 2nd November to meet the team and possibly join as a new member.
Gerald Manning, Chairman
