Brolly good show

IT was umbrellas and waterproofs at the ready for hundreds of people who turned out for this year’s May Fayre celebration in Henley on bank holiday Monday.

But despite the showers, visitors crowded around the Market Place to watch the traditional Maypole and Morris dancing and enjoy the other attractions, including fairground rides, carnival games and food stalls.

There was no fancy dress competition or tug or war this year after town councillor Sarah Miller temporarily stepped down from organising it after she underwent treatment for breast cancer.

Mayor Kellie Hinton, who opened the event, said: “Obviously, if it was a really hot day people would have come out and stayed longer but I was really surprised, given the weather, about the number of people who turned up to enjoy the rides and the performances.

“It's just unfortunate we didn’t have the weather for it but, despite that, there was a really good feel and buzz to the day. Some stalls I spoke to, such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution did really well too, which was fantastic.”

Children from local primary schools, aged eight to 11 performed the Maypole dance.

Steph Maxwell, 46, of Newton Gardens, is principal of Divas and Dudes, which organised the routines. She said: “It was all a bit crazy because of the rain. It started okay then it started to drizzle, then it was really raining but they did really well to carry on and persevere.

“When the dance ended, they ran to find some shelter and put their jackets on, but they were so happy to do it and really enjoyed it.

“Anne Garrison, the Maypole dance teacher, was great in helping the children to learn the complicated routines, as some of the children had never heard of it or seen it so for some it was a new style to try.”

A stilt walker and a bubble-blowing fairy from the Enchanted Players Theatre Company entertained the children in the square and singer Daisy Smith, performed a mixture of vintage songs, family classics and children’s Disney favourites. She said: “It was great how many people still turned up and it was lovely to see the children dancing with the bubble fairy and I dedicated I’m Still Standing to the stilt walker, which was great fun.”

The traditional fairground rides included a Ferris wheel and spinning teacups and there were games such as a coconut shy and hook-the-duck.

There were also stalls for local charities such as Henley’s branch of the Royal British Legion and the Henley Archaeological and Historical Group.

Terry Bass, the vice-chairman of the Henley RNLI, and his wife Janet, were joined by members Norman and Sally Daniells and Ronnie Eggleton at their pop-up tent. They ran a tombola with teddy prizes.

Mrs Bass said: “It’s been a bit wet, but it has been really encouraging to see so many lovely people out enjoying the day.”

Sam Cleaver, owner of Kiln Café, who had a pop-up stall in Market Place, where children could paint pottery items including mugs and dogs, also said she had been busy.

Lizzie Lambert, 43, a teacher said the event was “wonderful”. She added: “We just want to support the community and all the businesses, so seeing this lovely turn-out despite the rain is really heartwarming.”