Wealden Times Midwinter Fair 2010

Wealden Times Midwinter Fair took place during the snowy days of early December in the walled garden at Bedgebury Pinetum.

There was a distinctly Tyrolean feel to the first two days of the fair and the views over the snow-capped pinetum were absolutely fabulous. However, on the technical side the snow presented us with a few problems! We weren't able to open on Thursday, so extended the event by an extra day and over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday the intrepid shoppers of the Weald flocked through our doors and did their Christmas shopping with enormous enthusiasm and great good cheer.

Despite everything the elements could throw at us - snow, high winds and even torrential rain on the Saturday - the event was an enormous success.

British bulldog grit was in evidence throughout from the 107 stall holders who drove long distances on icy roads to the visitors, notably a group of four local ladies who walked all the way to Bedgebury from Benenden to be first through the doors for the Friday opening.

Heroic work went on behind the scenes to clear the snow and our local suppliers were quite simply magnificent and without them there wouldn’t have been a fair. Special thanks must go to Fred and the boys from Four Jays for not only putting up marquees in appalling conditions but for diversifying into snow clearance and giving up their weekend so we could open on Sunday. Tim Coombes and the team from Event Electrix in Tenterden kept the lights on and our morale up while our Wealden Times stewards in their pink hoodies - all local boys and girls - worked tirelessly in the cold and often dark to make it all happen. And finally, a big thank you to our hosts the Forestry Commission and their resourceful contractor Rob Graham whose tractor and knowledge of the site was invaluable in clearing the car parks and offering such support throughout. We are delighted to be going back to Bedgebury this winter but a little earlier than last year: Wealden Times Midwinter Fair will be held on 24, 25 & 26 November in the walled garden overlooking the pinetum.

We're now working on our Midsummer Fair, which will be held once again at Brick House Farm in High Halden near Tenterden on 9, 10 and 11 June. I'm always on the look-out for exciting and original new products to introduce plus we've been inundated with enquiries from people wanting to exhibit but, in order to keep the standard up, have been very selective. Consequently, there will be some great new exhibitors mixed in with all our old favourites, bringing an exciting mix of goods for home and garden plus food, gifts and fashion to Brick House Farm and we're really looking forward to meeting up with you all again there in June!

Keep an eye out for details of the next Wealden Times Fair at our events COMING SOON pages.