Barnes Fair 2008 - on the theme The Best of Barnes

The Fair King and Queen
Joseph Pederzolli and Martha Comerford of St Osmund’s School, led the Parade in regal splendour. “It was really fun,” said Joseph. “We felt like royalty. We waved at everyone as we were pulled along.” Their duties over, Joseph and Martha were looking forward to enjoying the delights of the Fair with their friends.

Gillian and Iain Green, veteran stallholders
The Fair boasted many new stallholders this year, as well as several who have been coming to the Fair for many years. Gillian and Iain Green have been bringing their collection of antiques and collectables to the Fair for over 25 years.
Iain says how much the Fair has changed over those years. “There used to be a lot more charity stalls and local people and now there are stalls that look more like shops! Our stall has hardly changed though. I used to specialise in records and on Fair Day I would put out all the records for a pound each. I probably could have made more money if I’d priced them individually but I like to keep things simple. I’m still doing the same thing today, and the price hasn’t changed in 25 years.”

Mayor Cllr Helen Lee-Parsons
It was Mayor Helen’s first experience of Barnes Fair and, although she had been
warned it would be spectacular, it even exceeded her expectations.
“I was totally amazed,” she commented. “It is so well organised. The floats were
marvellous; so much effort had been put into them. Picking a winner was a very
difficult decision.”
As well as starting the Parade, the Mayor gave out certificates to children for their
art work which was on display at the OSO.

Robert Heane, the horse owner
The Parade may have looked like it was all glamour and finery but behind the splendour was a lot of hard work and a very early morning for the horse owner, Robert Heane. “I rolled out of bed at quarter-to-three this morning, and drove all the way from Lincolnshire for the Fair,” he said. Robert has been providing horses for the Fair King and Queen’s carriage for the last 14 years. “In 1995 the horses were in a pantomime at the brewery with Lionel Blair and he suggested that they draw the carriage for the Fair. I’ve been bringing them ever since. Melinda (the horse on the right) is actually one of the original pair.”

Djohra Aberbour, Les Amis de Barnes
This was the first year that children from Le Pecq, the town with which Barnes shares a friendship link, were able to showcase their work at Barnes Fair. Djohra, the treasurer of Les Amis de Barnes, helped to organise the artistic exchange. She said: “We hope to create links between the schools in Le Pecq and Barnes so that the children can learn about life in each others’ country.”

Caroline Markley and Ann Johnstone,
Morris Dancers
Performers from all around Barnes came to showcase their talents at the Fair. However, for many, the pull was not purely artistic! Morris Dancers Caroline and Ann said: “Barnes is the best Fair we go to by far. There are always some good bargains.” The pair was getting in some last minute shopping before their performance.

Chihiro and Yoshiko from Japan
Chihiro from the BCA English school was very impressed
with her first ever Barnes Fair. “It’s fantastic!” she said.
“There are so many people.” Although she has been to
similar events in Japan, Chihiro was particularly impressed
by the carousel and how many people showed up.

June Hodgson, pianist
June Hodgson, 89, treated frazzled Fair-goers to some old favourites in the Methodist Church while they recuperated with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. “I’ve played here for some years – whenever I come to the Fair,” said June. “When I was younger I used to sing as well but not any more.”

Petting Zoo
Evie, aged 2½, and many other children had great fun
at the petting zoo at St Osmund’s School. There were
a goat, sheep, hens, rabbits and guinea pigs –
as well as a tiny pony.

Charlotte Sharpe-Neale, Fair organiser
This is Charlotte’s first year organising the Fair. She told Prospect: “The Fair went extremely well in the end and everything fell into place. There were a few low points, such as carrying piles of programmes to the welcome arches at six this morning, and scrambling for the tickets from the tombola, which went flying all over the road. I’m very excited about next year’s Fair already!”