TV personalities appear at this year's Fairford Steam Show

1. TV personalities appear at Fairford Steam Show 

It was a sunny and fun-packed weekend for Fairford Steam’s second year back after an absence of nearly ten years.

Hundreds of vintage, steam, classic and retro vehicle enthusiasts packed the Lake Field to enjoy this family-friendly show including motorcycle enthusiasts, Henry Cole and Allen Millyard – best known for the TV programme, Shed & Buried.

There was a happy, community atmosphere with something for everyone to enjoy. People were smiling, children laughing and everyone seemed to be having a great time. A firm favourite was the Wall of Death, which was literally a thrill-a-minute! Petrol heads and steam junkies could browse round a massive display of tractors, cars, motorbikes, commercial vehicles, big and miniature steam and military vehicles. Food and drink from local vendors was reasonably priced with plenty of choice.

Tractor-owner, Guy Maunder, even allowed two year old Lucas Roberts from Fairford to climb aboard his 1964 Fordson Super Major and sit in the driving seat! A great treat for the young enthusiast!

Chair of the organising committee, Steve Evans said: “I’m thrilled with the success of the Show this year – seeing everyone enjoying themselves has made all the hard work worthwhile. The entire Steam team are completely over the moon to hear all the fantastic feedback and we would like to thank our hosts, the Keyser family; those who sponsored and donated; those who exhibited; all the trade and craft stalls, and, of course, the great folk of Fairford for backing us all the way and turning out in their hundreds. As we know: Fairford is a good place to be!”

2. Firefighters hosting station open day

Fairford Firefighters are hosting a Fairford Fire Station Open Day on Saturday August 24 from 10am-3pm.

Everyone is invited to go along, enjoy spending time with Fairford’s Finest and have fun with their family. The Open Day is also relevant to those who want to find out more about what the firefighters do and to people who may be thinking about joining the Fire Service.

There’ll be food and drink available, a variety of family activities and games and an opportunity to get the kit on and have-a-go; visits from Neighbourhood Police, Police Canine Unit, Police Cadets and RAF Fairford Firefighters and their truck; at the event will also be Gloucestershire Community Support Van, GFRS Smoke House, GFRS Fire House, Vintage Fire Trucks and Fairford’s sweet & gift shop, Sweet As Can Be.

There’ll also be a live RTC (Road Traffic Collision) demonstration at 12 noon!

All emergency services including the Fairford Fire crew will continue to be operational throughout the day, so there may be changes to the schedule if an incident does arise.

Parking will not be available on station grounds, but there is ample parking around Fairford for those driving to the event.

3. Time to enter colouring competition 

There’s still time to enter JPA Financial Planning’s Summer Postcard Colouring Competition for children in three age groups: Pre-School; Reception Class to Year 3; and Years 4-6. Each of the three winners will receive a book voucher and there’s also a bag of sweets from Sweet As Can Bee for every child that enters.

Entry forms are available from Fairford coffee shops or from JPA’s office at 27a London Street, GL7 4AQ. The last date for entries is Monday September 2. Winners will be announced later that week. For information about the competition or to find out more about your financial planning needs, please contact 01285 440310.

4. Annual general meeting next week 

The Palmer Hall Committee would like to invite current users, potential future users and the general public to this year’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday August 28 at 7pm in the Palmer Hall, London Road, Fairford GL7 4AQ.

The present committee would like to enlist more committee members and/or those interested in supporting the Hall and hope that they will be able to attend the AGM. Formal business is expected to last no more than half an hour.

Members will be allowed to attend, speak, vote at the meeting. Members of the general public will be unable to vote. If you would like to join The Palmer Hall Committee and be considered for election at this meeting, please contact Tracy Hatton: Palmerhallsecretary@outlook.com.

Stallholders are invited to hire a table at the popular Palmer Hall Autumn Fayre taking place on Saturday October 12 between 2pm-4.30m in the Palmer Hall, Fairford. If you would like to book a large or small table or for more information, contact Tracy Hatton on 07825 211830, palmerhallsecretary@outlook.com.

5. Events taking place in the area this week 

Eastleach Fete will be on Saturday August 24 from 1.30pm at Eastleach Village Hall. Cash and card payments accepted. Coconut Shy, Splat the Rat, Children’s toys, teas, homemade cakes, grand draw, White Elephant, tombola, books, ice-creams, Pimms, beer, bbq, home produce. In aid of Eastleach Village Hall, Playground and St Andrew’s Church. Sorry – no dogs.

Children’s Activity Morning at Lechlade Library is on Wednesday August 21. All welcome – not just library members.

A range of fun games for accompanied children aged 4-11 years. Drop in anytime between 10am-12 noon. Free.

The next meeting of Lechlade WI is an Evening Get-Together on Thursday August 29 at 7pm at the Trout pub, Lechlade.

The Lechlade Art Society Annual Exhibition will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday to Tuesday August 24-27.

It will be open from Saturday to Monday from 10am-6pm and from 10am-4pm on Tuesday at the new Memorial Hall, Lechlade GL7 3AY.

There is plenty of free parking, and drinks and cakes will also be on sale. Once again, there will be opportunities to buy artwork including the popular ‘Little Gems’, which will be sold in aid of Prospect Hospice.