Susie Govett modelling a dress made from the IMOS Romney Marsh Flag, which she had made into this great dress.
The people of the Marsh once again showed their amazing community spirit and didn’t let a few showers dampen their day at Saturday’s New Romney Country Fayre. Thousands of visitors came together to enjoy the fun and feel-good atmosphere of the event, which is now in its 22nd year. The day kicked off with the largest parade the fayre has ever known with estimates of over 400 people taking part. Crowds lined the High Street ten deep in some places to marvel at the amazing costumes, ranging from The Sound of Music, The Lion King and Annie, which embraced this year’s theme of Musicals.
The official opening was performed by the Right Worshipful Mayor of New Romney, Cllr Patricia Rolfe and also included the hoisting of the Country Fayre flag which had been carried in the parade by the New Romney and Folkestone Sea Cadets who also provided a bugle fanfare.
With over 160 stalls, this year’s Fayre had more variety than ever before. The arena entertainment featured some old favourites who returned by popular demand, including X-treme Falconry, Bloco Fogo Street Samba Band and Woodchurch Morris Men. Animals featured very strongly with a dog and duck show and Tanya Larrigan’s miniature horse display team, the Mini Marvels. However, the undoubted stars of the day, drawing huge audiences were the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team, who performed obedience routines to music and regularly appear at Crufts. There was also some unexpected arena entertainment in the form of a marriage proposal. The couple had met one year previously at the Country Fayre and could think of no better venue for popping the question. Thankfully, the answer was yes, and this was accompanied by a big celebratory drum roll by Bloco Fogo!
Country Fayre Chairman, Frances Wire said, “We were completely overwhelmed by the success of the event. From the fantastic costumes in the parade, to the enormous crowds lining the High Street and the wonderful atmosphere the day created, the Country Fayre seems to bring out the very best in everybody. It’s a culmination of a year of preparations and I am incredibly proud of my committee of volunteers who have worked so hard to ensure the day is a success. I would especially like to thank all the helpers who gave up their time to assist us on the day”.
The parade winners were as follows:
Overall Parade Winner: The Ashdown Family (The Sound of Music)
Runner Up: New Romney Children’s Centre (The Lion King)
Best Musical Group: Emma Lou’s Dance Troupe (Annie)
Runner Up: Xtravadance (Phantom of the Opera)
Best Large Group: Seashells Nursery (101 Dalmatians)
Runner Up: New Romney Cubs and Beavers (100th birthday of Scouting)
Best Small Group: Middlemarsh WI (Hippies of the 60s)
Runner Up: New Romney Bowls Club (Pirates of the Caribbean)
