Nominated charity 2008

We are pleased to announce our nominated charity for 2008 is the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. We hope you can all come along on the day and help us support the great work they do every day.

Georgian Fayre 2008

As we approach May Bank Holiday Monday May 5th anticipation is building for the Blandford Georgian Fayre 2008. To ensure its success the local community is working hard together, a wide and varied team of fayre supporters bring together their skills to ensure that Blandford is again turned out in its finery for this popular annual event putting Blandford Forum on the map.

Over the last 16 years of the Blandford Georgian Fayre links have been forged throughout the local community, bringing offers of help that have ensured the success of Fayre has grown steadily year on year.

‘We couldn't do it on our own', says Janice Cox, head of the organising committee, ‘it really is a testament to a whole community pulling together to make things happen, time and commitment are given freely by the committee and the many people and organisations throughout the town'.

Not only is this unique event probably the largest in the south of England, but it also offers the chance for the people of Blandford to return to the days of old, when community links were at their strongest, when people only needed a focus in order to come together to achieve something.

The Georgian Fayre - Blandford Forum

By Mr John Paulley MBE, May 2005

Each May Day, in Blandford, we have a Georgian Fayre,
The organisers strive hard and demonstrate care;
The streets all agog with traders and stalls,
The Town Criers battle with a whole range of calls.

The assembly takes place at Langton Car Park,
The drays and the bands await Parade Marshall's bark;
The procession wends its way towards the Town Hall,
The early morning crowds like scenes from the Mall

Dignitaries assemble outside the Town Hall,
Then dear Arthur Bush goes through a roll call;
The applause and the splendour creates a great thrill,
It's now time for events, and so many are brill.

The fairground attractions so busy all day,
The bumpers and wheels just force people to pay;
The farmers bring cattle, some rare as can be,
This creates great interest for you and for me.

Folk come from Poole and Bournemouth as well,
Some come from Devon and in Somerset dwell;
To wander through East Street, there's a wonderful din;
Just like leaving Wembley after World Cup win.

The dancing and log felling show marvellous skill,
So many events give folk a great thrill;
The food and the drink, so readily on call,
But bargains on stalls are available to all.

The day a great triumph for leaders of the Fayre,
To Janice and Nigel, you really are rare;
To Hall and Woodhouse, our thanks, for sponsorship great,
Long may Fayre continue, to give Blandford great date.