Barnes Fair 2005

Despite the suicide bombers’ efforts which resulted in the death of more than 50 people just two days before the Fair, the event went ahead – with the customary huge success. 'We felt sadness for the victims and their families but it would have been impossible to stop at such short notice,' said David Stott, Chairman of the Fair Committee. 'In any case, we felt, strongly, that to cancel it would have been playing into the hands of the terrorists at the expense of the many local charities who receive grants from the Fair.'

So, after weeks of uncertain weather the Fair caught the first day of the predicted start of summer – uncertainly at first, as the early stallholders arrived with pin pricks of drizzle on their windscreens, but after that – not too hot and not too chilly – perfect weather to attract the customary crowds of thousands.

Months of careful planning by the Fair Committee plus more than 100 volunteers from BCA members resulted in a smooth run from the setting down of the huge carousel to the clearing up of the last piece of litter.

St Osmund's School took first prize with their 'Olympics' float

The Parade, the biggest yet, reflected the timely theme of the Fair 'Sporting Barnes', and thanks to swift action by Liz Collison, the Fair Organiser, on hearing the announcement that the 2012 Games would be held in London, we had an Olympic banner leading the many sportsmen and women who were taking part.

First, though, Glebe Road was seething with crowds as the Mayor, Cllr Robin Jowit, awarded the Lonsdale Cup for the best float to St Osmund's School, and presented the prizes to other winners (see p7). John Atkinson, the Manager of Friend and Falcke, our major sponsors for the Fair, crowned the Fair King and Queen, twins Katrina and Aleksis Martindale, who rode in the coach with their attendants, Elizabeth Horne and William Brege, all from the Harrodian School, while our MP, Susan Kramer, added her cheerful support.

The Fair was comfortably full to capacity for most of the day and, by the end, the BCA had taken more money than ever before.

We are immensely grateful to everyone who made our 31st Fair such a great success again. The main workers had their names in the Fair programme, but to all the rest – a big 'thank you'.

Sally Holloway

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