Fruit fair nets a big sum for charity (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fruit fair nets a big sum for charity

10:00am Saturday 14th July 2012 in News By Laura Shack

A SOGGY strawberry or two did not deter thousands of visitors from enjoying Crudwell’s fruity fayre last wekend.

Despite the heavy downpours, around 3,000 people turned out to the Crudwell Strawberry Fayre and gobbled-up nearly 500lbs worth of the fruit.

More than £2,500 was raised during the event, which featured Europe’s biggest strawberry hot air balloon and 30 parachuting teddy bears.

Organiser David Butcher said that although crowds were smaller than in previous years, the atmosphere on the fayre’s 25th anniversary was still terrific.

He said the Sizzle and Swing live music evening, which was held on Saturday night under a collection of gazebos and marquees on the village green, was fantastic fun.

"Looking in from outside, people must have thought we were absolutely bonkers. The rain was coming down outside but we were having a great time."

All the money raised will go to the village's All Saints Church’s window appeal, to help preserve the Grade I listed building for years to come.

For next year’s event, David is planning to write the Crudwell book of strawberries and is keen to hear from anyone who may have strawberry-based recipes, facts and stories. Contact studio@abbeyprinting.co.uk