BRIAN PERRY BEM
The impact of Covid 19 has been felt throughout the world during 2020 and, like many events in towns and cities across the UK, Chertsey’s annual Black Cherry Fair could not go ahead. It is one of the oldest and largest local fairs in the country with origins that can be traced back as early as 1440 and apart from a few years off for World Wars, it has run ever since. The Fair is usually held on the second Saturday of July with a town procession, over 100 stalls, funfair, arena events and a music stage with live bands performing all day. With over 10,000 visitors it is not only a fabulous free family day out but also an important event for local charities and good causes which rely on the fair to raise much-needed funds.
It was with this in mind that the Black Cherry Fair Committee decided to run a series of fun, family competitions and at the same time raise money to help provide support for local charitable causes which would usually attend the fair.
Our 2020 ‘Virtual’ Black Cherry Fair ran through the whole month of July and into August and many local people joined in to make the event a great success.
Competition winners include Marco Underwood for a fantastic 335 ‘keepy uppies’; Jessica Mcnae for her drawing of Black Cherry Fair; Archie Applegate, winner of the ‘Bonny Baby Competition’, and Kevin Williams, winner of the £100 free prize draw.
Several local people went ‘the extra mile’ to help the cause.
First, a sponsored cycle ride by the amazing ‘Mr. McDonut’ Geoff Chapman. Geoff who also runs the music stage at the Fair, dusted down his bike and cycled the ‘Downs Link’ route with friend Graham Adcock. The Downs Link is a 37 mile footpath and bridleway linking the North Downs Way to St. Martha’s Hill, Guildford, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex and on via the Coastal Link to Shorham-by-Sea.
Second, six local residents led by Steve Valiant & friends of Black Cherry Fair undertook a sponsored long weekend 60 mile walk home from Portsmouth to the venue of the Fair.
Combined, these fundraising efforts raised over £3000 which will be distributed equally amongst local charities.
Thank you to everyone who supported these events.
The Black Cherry Fair will be held on Saturday 10th July 2021. Keep informed through FB and our website at www.blackcherryfair.com.