Terrific treacle times (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Terrific treacle times

1:00pm Friday 5th June 2009 in Search Module By Ben Ellery

ALL the fun of the treacle fair came to Tadley at the weekend.

More than 2,000 revellers pitched up to Saunders Field, in Tadley, on Sunday to enjoy one of the highlights of the Tadley calendar.

The ever-colourful event was organised by Loddon Valley Lions Club and the money raised will mostly go towards local charities.

Highlights included a stuntman performing a high dive while on fire, horse showjumping, the Hook Eagle Morris Men dancing outside the Real Ale Festival Beer Tent and a rock wall climb.

Martin Slatford, a member of Loddon Valley Lions Club, said: “Thankfully, the weather was the complete opposite to last year and the day has gone brilliantly.

“Attendance was significantly up on our past two events, with between 2,000 and 3,000 people here.

“Everyone is not only having a great time, but the money raised will go to making a difference to people’s lives.”

Also on show at the event was a classic vehicle exhibition featuring armoured military cars, tractors and a 1927 Austin 7.

Sir George Young, MP for North West Hamp-shire, was among those enjoying all the fun of the fair. He said: “What a lovely day it has been. There is just so much going on and I have taken part in many of the activities.

“It’s wonderful to see the sun shining, so many people here and the charities all benefiting.”

Families enjoyed trying out learning skills at a circus tent, a mini moto rally and even ferret racing.

Frankie Prince, of Sarisbury Close, Tadley, was at the event with her two children. Mrs Prince said: “We make it down here every year. The children love it because there is so much going on.”

The Jake and Lee Tadley Youth Fund, set up in memory of 18-year-old Jake Burden and 16-year-old Lee Robinson, who died in a car crash in August 2007, held a tombola to raise money for the organisation.

Nick Hicks, who helped run the stand, said: “We want to improve Tadley skatepark and this event is a fantastic way of driving up the funds.”