Old GWR children's fete makes a return

Saturday, August 9 will see the first Faringdon Road Park Children's Fete since before the outbreak of the Second World War.

It will feature rides, music, stalls run by children's charities, face painting, games and fancy dress among its attractions.

The trust campaigns to restore and preserve the derelict but historic Mechanics', recently purchased for an undisclosed sum by entrepreneur Mathew Singh, as a community resource, and sees the fete as another such resource.

The Evening Advertiser recently told how ill-feelings had emerged between the trust and Mr Singh, who announced that he had no interest in what the trust had to say.

Trust co-ordinator Martha Parry said of the fete: "We did this because during the eight years since the trust formed, we have heard so many older Swindonians telling tales about the original Children's Fete.

"We have always had the idea of reviving it, and have been talking for six years about how we could do this.

"Now, because Swindon Council has granted us the use of the former railway museum, we have premises from which we can launch the fete.

"We just wanted to do something positive and fun to show the spirit of what we are trying to do with the Mechanics'."

Originally called the Annual Juvenile Fete and later renamed, the gathering was held every year for 70 years, beginning in 1869.

However, it was suspended on the outbreak of war and never held again, possibly because the immediately post war years were characterised by austerity and thrift.

The 2003 version will begin at 2pm with a peal of bells from St Mark's Church, followed by an appearance by Swindon Queen Victoria lookalike Mary Ratcliffe, with local VIPs including mayor Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) planning an appearance.

The fete organisers welcome suggestions, inquiries and, above all offers from volunteers willing to help out on the day and in the run-up to it.

The organisers can be reached on 01793 520592.