Stubbington Fayre & Donkey Derby
The annual Stubbington Fayre and Donkey Derby took place on August Bank Holiday Monday, as it has done for nearly 50 years. And this year, 2016, we really made up for the awful weather experienced at the last two shows! The weather for 2016 was bright and sunny, and the whole event was a great success! Stallholders have been reporting record takings, and asking to be included in our Christmas Fair and next years Festival of St.George. Amazing what one sunny day can do for morale!
In 2015 the event was'nt quite what we had hoped for!
Question: What did the Stubbington Fayre of 2015 have in common with the show at the Mayflower Theatre?
Answer: 
Singing in the Rain!
The weather was really bad with torrential rain throughout most of the day but that did not stop the crowds turning out to support the 130 Stalls, many representing Charities and local "Good Causes". And the wonderful thing was they all came in high spirits! The event was a washout in many ways but it generated a huge number of SMILES!
Our friends from the BIG NOISE SAMBA BAND tried to perform in the arena but had to stop after just one number. There were donkey rides but no donkey races.
Trigger the Train kept taking a tour of the Stubbington Paddy Fields! And all the stall holders bravely stuck to their posts. On our stall Lion Pal Hayre produced a variety of hot samosas which, not surprisingly, sold like hot cakes! Our Bric a Brac also did well and we talked to lots of people about who we are and what we do. Lots of good PR and hopefully we will gain some new members.
AND PERHAPS WE WILL HAVE BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR!
BECAUSE, IN DAYS GONE BY, THINGS HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER ............. For instance
Stubbington Fayre & Donkey Derby of 2012 was a Great Day! The 2012 Fayre was been a great success, most of the stallholders reporting excellent returns for their individual charities and the feedback from the general public has been excellent.
The Mayor, Cllr. Dennis Steadman and the Mayoress, Mrs Carole Steadman, arrived at 11.20 a.m. to be met by the Fayre Committee Chairman, Lion David Crockford and officially opened the event.
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The first performers into the arena woke up the whole surrounding area with their exciting latin rhythms!They were the...BIG NOISE SAMBA BAND led by their Musical Director, Charlie Fletcher (Top Centre Photo) |
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There followed a packed programme of activities to keep all ages entertained throughout the day. Here is a taste of 2012...
Donkey Races
and
Donkey Rides
The Locks Heath Sillouette Majorettes
In all shapes and sizes!
Treasure Gymnastics provided excellent "Olympic style" entertainment. They were all so skilled!
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
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Finally, The presentation of rosettes & Awards for the Donkey Derby Winners
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We also felt like winners after a very successful day!
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One final announcement!
"Crofton Lions supporters, Thanks to your generosity we will be able to help many more people who are less fortunate than ourselves. Your continueing support for our work is greatly appreciated".
The Stubbington Carnival, later called the Fayre & Donkey Derby, was originally organised by a group of business people, and later by Fareham Lions Club with the support of local residents. When, in 2000, the Crofton Lions Club was formed it declined to take over the event but instead suggested a partnership led by Fareham Lions with the active support of local Councillors, the Crofton Lions Club, and local residents. It is now a major event in the local community attracting thousands of visitors.
Several years ago, on Bank Holiday Monday 2009 the Portsmouth NEWS reported an attendance of nearly 10,000!
Lion Doreen Norton, Chairman of the Fayre Committee in 2009, with the Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Mrs Ruth Godrich and her Consort, Cllr Mike Godrich, arriving to officially open that years event.
The day started with a procession led by the Cadet Band of T.S. Tenacity followed by all manner of participants from Scouts to Senior Citizens, Drama Groups to Motorbikes and much more. The procession made its way onto the Recreation Grounds where more than 110 Stalls and Sideshows had been erected.
After the Official Opening there were Arena Events which included Gymnasts, Majorettes and the Solent Dog Display Team plus, of course, the Annual Donkey Derby.
Here is a flavour of the day.
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Every year Stubbington Fayre seems to get the "Thumbs Up"!
