Bradworthy FairFrom gentle giants to gyroscopes |  |
 | Thank you to everyone who helped make the 1999 Bradworthy Fayre such a successful and happy day. Although it is the Local Agenda 21 Group who organise the event, it could not happen without the goodwill and support of the community, whether individuals, businesses or organisations. |
| This year, more than ever, it really felt like a big family. A number of those stall-holders who came here from outside the parish said that they enjoy Bradworthy Fayre more than any of the many annual events they attend because it has such a welcoming and unhurried atmosphere, so well done once again Bradworthy! |  |
 | One of the kindest and most welcoming of Bradworthy's sons, Tom Cann, opened this fourth annual Fayre with some lovely memories of his eighty decades here, and was presented with a small “thank you” by our Fairy Queen Mikki-Ann Horlick, in a beautiful ivory satin gown. |
| Originally an annual labour hiring and sheep fair, Bradworthy Fayre was revived in 1996 by Bradworthy's Local Agenda 21 Group, to draw attention to the issue of sustainability, so that we can learn again to live more lightly on the earth, as our ancestors did. |  |
 | In the tradition of country fairs through the ages, once common craftsmen returned to the village to demonstrate rural skills like thatching, bodging and hurdle- and basket-making. These crafts use available local materials to create beautiful and durable wares without harming the environment, and provide creative and satisfying local employment. |
| Although there were fewer native breeds of animal on show this year, those that were penned on the square highlighted the domination of British agriculture by continental breeds, even though our own breeds are hardier and fare far better on the natural culm grassland of this area. |  |
 | Culm grassland is an internationally recognised habitat which needs to be preserved for the variety of species it supports as well as for its contribution to the distinctive landscape of our region. |
| Another welcome sight was the Suffolk Punch, now rarer than the Giant Panda, towering over its miniature replica companion Shetland pony. Many farmers are recognising that tourism now has a “green” dimension to it and that visitors want to see smaller, more traditionally managed farms and farmland, which give each region its own distinctive character. |  |
 | It is to be hoped that more farmers and other landowners will recognise the both the economic and inherent value and beauty of both natural grassland and native species so that we can ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy. |
| And if you know of anyone locally with rare or native breeds, please let one of us know so that we can try to get them along next year. |  |
 | Although intended to be as traditional as possible, we made a couple of exceptions this year, so that children and adults could travel in time from a traditional cart ride with Ben May to a futuristic “human gyroscope” experience. The gyroscope was powered only by muscle and, like the climb up the church tower, was not for the faint hearted! Bradworthy Inn's 1999 Beer Fest no doubt gave some enough Dutch courage to attempt such feats! |
| Chris Robinson thatching his model cottage, Alan Buckingham bending hazel into hurdles, Tony Voke's pole lathe and Annie Jennings and Sarah Panks weaving of willow baskets fascinated many, as did the competitions organised by Bradworthy's Westville Organics and Penbode's Veterinary Surgeons (perhaps you can now tell salsify from scorzonera and identify animal parasites?) |  |
 | The timeless atmosphere of the Fayre allowed many to “simply stand and stare”, soaking up sights, sounds and sunshine. Children especially loved the small animal corner provided on Broad Hill by Jo Poole from Locke and Preston Veterinary Surgery. |
| Although we were sad to have Cecil Collacott in hospital, Tom Cann did a splendid job with the display of photographs of old Bradworthy, as popular as always, with many older residents sharing laughter and memories in the pleasant surroundings of the new Memorial Hall extension. We hope that Cecil won't be going AWOL again when we most need him and wish him back to his old hale self. |  |
 | During the morning, some ventured upstairs to the new Cecil T. Collacott room to see more archive material, local crafts and the Intracom computer which will enable the people of Bradworthy to create their own website, making all kinds of useful information available to both locals and visitors. Apologies to those who did not find the upstairs room open, but many of the usual volunteers were otherwise involved in the Fayre. |
| If you do want to pop up and have a look at the exhibitions and photograph albums or find out what all the fuss is about this “internet thing”, opening times are displayed on the glass display board at the entrance to the Memorial Hall. You could even come and send a free e-mail or type a letter (instruction provided of course!) |  |
 | Organic meat and vegetables were on sale from various local suppliers, with many people expressing their wish to eat more wholesome food and their opposition to genetically modified organisms. |
| Locally made charcoal, coppiced hazel furniture and hand-made pottery caused some to question the logic of buying imported goods, with all the pollution their transport causes. It seems to make so much more sense to buy locally, thus helping our own local economy, a sentiment endorsed by the NFU's “Keep Britain Farming” display. |  |
 | Sally Schiller again organised a successful family dog show, with trophies donated by local people and all profits going to the local Hilltop dog rescue kennels. Other charities present included the Devon Wildlife Trust and the RNLI. |
| A number of local organisations were involved in the Fayre, including Bradworthy Parish Church, Football Club, Young Farmers, Guides, Playgroup, Youth Club, Wednesday Club and Community Stall, and there was a fine exhibition of paintings by Bradworthy artists. |  |
 | As well as being an enjoyable day, Bradworthy Fayre makes you think. Agenda 21 is about deciding what kind of future we want into the 21st century. No one can deny that humans have done a lot of damage to the environment in the past. |
| We are now recognising that we cannot continue to do go and that we must all do our bit to help the environment, to preserve its beauty and variety. One idea that seems to be taking shape is the creation of a community composting scheme. Ideally, we should all try to compost kitchen and garden waste, but, where this is not possible, a Community Composting Area would allow the recycling of this precious organic waste so that it can keep our gardens fertile. |  |
 | No doubt those working on this idea will keep us posted, and we wish then luck with it. There have also been rumours of a farm plastic recycling scheme; any more news on this? |
| Our MP, John Bumett, is keen to support such schemes, so get in touch with him and with us, if you would like our involvement. |  |
 | Thanks again to everyone for making this yeai's Fayre such an enjoyable one, and don't forget, the Fayre belongs to us all, so, if you have ideas for next year, let us know soon. Better still, come along to a meeting and have a chat. |
| Jane Addy, Sunnyside, Dinworthy, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, EX22 7QUT (Tel 01409 241828) |  |