Ref. 30192-74THE May Fayre at Lydiard Park was hit by miserable weather which turned the lush grass to mud.

It also turned an expected crowd of 7,000 into a disappointing few hundred. Organisers now fear they will not have raised enough money for local charities.

But those that did brave the weather refused to let it dampen their spirits.

The Bluebelles Majorettes tied plastic bags around their feet to keep the mud off during their show of pom poms and marching music.

Team leader Lisa Ellis said the 25 girls, aged eight to 14, would not be put off by a bit of rain.

"This is their first display of the season and they love it," she said.

Falconer Chris O'Donnell, enjoying a cheese sandwich in a break between displaying his birds of prey, said the weather could have been a lot worse.

"It's not that bad really," he said. "I live in Yorkshire and it's like this all the time."

The May Fayre was full of things to see, from Mr O'Donnell's white-backed vulture to a dog show, classic cars and bouncy castles.

There was even room for a traditional Punch and Judy show.

The clouds had grounded the helicopter that was supposed to take people on rides around the park, but the crowds were kept entertained by a mock battle performed by the Knights of the Crusade, a London group specialising in medieval re-enactments.

"We always get a big audience because they like watching people hit others with swords," explained 16-year-old Harry Makinson, dressed in full armour.

John Darnell travelled all the way down from Birmingham with his family to enter their huge slobbery St Bernard, Murphy, in the dog show.

"He came third in Crufts this year so we think he'll do well, and it's a nice day out for the family," said John.

The May Fayre very nearly didn't happen at all.

The Wootton Bassett Lions Club, which has organised the event for 28 years, almost had to cancel it this year because of a shortage of volunteers.

But following an appeal in the Evening Advertiser, Wootton Bassett's Rotary Clubs came to the rescue and offered to help staff the event, which has been known to attract 10,000 visitors.

With local sea cadets and boy scouts also promising to do their duty, it was decided the fayre could go ahead after all.

Unfortunately the weather may have prevented the Lions from raising any money for good causes this time.

Organiser Pete Brittain from the Lions Club said they had shelled out £7,000 to stage the event and book the performers, and were now in the red.

"We were hoping for between 5,000 and 7,000 people but it's likely we got less than 1,000," he said.

"We are concerned because it's going to cost the club money.

"We were hoping for more people but the weather has killed the event and it will make it difficult for us to run another one."

Facing a hefty bill for the Fayre may not be the Lions' only problem. Unless they can find two more members by June the club may be forced to close.

Anyone interested in joining the Wootton Bassett Lions can call Barry Hodgson on 01793 851075 or Pete Brittain on 01249 812710.

Andy Tate