Festive feel to the Whitehill Bordon Christmas Fair 2011
Thursday 8th December 2011
Christmas shoppers in Bordon enjoyed a festive treat at the weekend for the fourth Whitehill Bordon Christmas Fair at the Forest Centre.
The day opened with a musical blast with the Town Mayor Cllr Adam Carew leading the Pipes of Caledonia Pipe band into the square with some rousing Bagpipe music, which reportedly could be heard from as far away as Chalet Hill and Marsh Close.
The musical festivities were continued by the Blendworth Brass Band and the choirs of St Mark’s and St Matthew’s with some traditional Christmas numbers on a special stage outside the Forest Community Centre. They were followed with a show by the Phoenix players and then the Phoenix Choir, and the day was finished with a very popular and rousing hour of live music from Kneeslider, a Portsmouth based band, who got everyone in the party mood.
There were gifts galore with a wide range of stalls inside the community centre, outside in the grounds and also in the St Mark’s Church hall, mostly offering gift ideas or special food treats for the christmas table.
There was a chance to see donkeys up close, as well as fair rides, free mulled wine and stollen cake, and plenty of warming tea and coffee.
Gerry Thorne, T.I.M & Independent Consultant to Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership said:
“The event went exceptionally well. We were very lucky with the weather which made it easier for people to stay and enjoy the entertainment as well as shop at the 50 or so stalls that were on site both inside and outside the community centre and the church.
“Santas Grotto was kindly organised and run by staff from EHDC’s Eco Town team (with special thanks to Ken Graham).. So popular was Santa that he ran out of presents by mid afternoon!!
“Many local groups were present and included in the display of old cars, was 1985 Volvo Police Patrol car which was there to raise funds for the National Police Memorial and also Police Car UK a group that restores and preserves classic police vehicles. The twinning association also raised money and funds from the tables helps to maintain the activities of Community Centre and also St Mark’s Church.
“Many people gave up their time to help run the event and as ever I am grateful to our sponsors and for the various grants that allowed the event to go ahead in such difficult economic times. Special mentions to Cllr Carew for his grant, Whitehill Town Council, Anglo Lothian ( owners of the Forest Shopping Centre ) and the Forest Traders, especially Carl Tantum .Also C&S coachworks Passfield and Autodan from Bordon.”
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