A celebration of Fairford's history (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

A celebration of Fairford's history

TOWN crier Maurice Jones donned his ceremonial outfit to help make a celebration of Fairford's history a great success.

About 400 people visited the community centre to gain an insight into the varied history of the town during the Your Heritage Day held last Saturday.

One item that attracted much interest was the bell used by Mr Jones to hail his announcements - it was formerly the bell used by the building's previous occupier, Farmor's School.

June Lewis-Jones, local historian and author of books chronicling the town's past, opened the event, bringing with her the cane originally used to discipline some of the school's errant pupils.

Heritage education advisor Prof Tim Copeland was on hand to answer questions about the community centre project, which was recently awarded a £37,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to aid its redevelopment.

One of the event organisers and a trustee of the community centre, Chris Roberts, said: "It was absolutely fantastic. It was far more successful than we ever hoped.

"We were expecting it to tail off after lunch but it was jam packed throughout the whole day and we opened it again on Sunday for the people who missed it."