EVENTS and activities, to appeal to all age groups, will be a part of this year’s Winkleigh Fair, which will run from Saturday, July 8 to Saturday, July 15.

Winkleigh Fair has been running in one form or another since the year 1262, some 755 years, when a charter was granted during the reign of Plantagenet King Henry III. Now that’s what you call a traditional event and much to live up to!

Fundraising through the year, from events such as race nights, quiz nights and special events such as “Titanic – A Very Deceiving Night”, an excellent illustrated talk from TV presenter Tim Maltin, have given the committee scope to arrange events for each day of the week.

Saturday, July 8 - Fun Clay Shoot at Winkleigh Sports Centre - 1pm to 4pm.

Saturday, July 8 - evening – Quiz and Cheese Night at the Village Hall. A very popular event which includes cheese and biscuit platters for each team.

Sunday, July 9 – Grand opening of the Fair in The Square by Margaret and Michael Bridgman (3.40pm) preceded by the Dressing of The Well (2pm) and the service conducted by Father Graham Smith at All Saints Church (3pm). The Fair King and Queen, Theo Duffin and Jasmine Bradford – both pupils of Winkleigh Community Primary School – will be crowned in the Square at 3.45pm. The Well Blessing will take place at 3pm. This will all be followed by a Bring and Share Teddy Bears picnic at the Sports Centre with transport provided by a vintage coach.

Monday, July 10 – Discover Winkleigh – a walk around the village organised by Winkleigh Society which will take in strategic and historic points of interest with brief talks and refreshments. The walk culminates at Court Castle courtesy of Tilly and John Kimber.

Tuesday, July 11 – Children’s Mystery Evening in the Village Hall (4pm) including entertainment and “munchbags”.

Wednesday, July 12 - evening – Vintage Vehicles in The Square (6pm). A very popular event with an open invitation to bring along classic and vintage cars, motorcycles and any other vehicles. Barbecue, snacks and Pimms available.

Thursday, July 13 – Family Bingo evening at the Village Hall (Eyes Down at 7pm).

Friday, July 14 – The Fair’s flagship event. Direct from the Normandy Beach commemorations the delightful D-Day Darlings take to the stage at the Village Hall and create an authentic tribute, through drama, song and original footage, of the most nostalgic songs of all time through the years 1939-45, “The Songs That Won The War”. Booking essential.

Saturday, July 15 – Fair Day. Market stalls in the Square (11am-1pm) followed by children’s fun fair (12 noon to 5pm) and other entertainment throughout the afternoon. Live music through the evening from “Mrs and The Martins” (6.30pm-7.30pm) and AC/DC tribute band “Thunderstruck” (9pm to 11pm).

The organising committee hopes the weather will be fine and acknowledges and thanks its sponsors, those who donate prizes, helpers and of course everyone who has supported events through the year without whom it would not be possible to stage the Fair.

More details can be found in the programme or are available from Tony and Kay on 01837 83248.

Alan Quick