Members of the Findhorn Residents’ Association (FRA) have reported once again the Findhorn Village Fair was a great success!
Despite heavy rain in the morning, the sun made an appearance just before 1pm as a large crowd of villagers and visitors gathered around the piers in Findhorn Village to enjoy all the fun of the fair on Sunday afternoon, 27 July.
There was entertainment for all ages throughout the afternoon, including live music from members of the Forres Accordion and Fiddle Club with music and singing from Neil Robertson. In addition to the raffle and wheel of fortune, there were numerous stalls, a BBQ selling burgers and hot dogs and afternoon teas provided by Findhorn Scottish Women’s Institute. The plant stall was particularly popular as was the ‘Made in Findhorn’ stall, which sold a wide range of products all crafted in Findhorn.
Throughout the afternoon children enjoyed interactions with Bubbles the Clown, face painting with Mrs Bubbles and hair braiding with Chloe.
A steady stream of visitors took the opportunity to visit the Invergordon RNLI Lifeboat which was docked on the pontoon at the North pier. Children were also able to climb aboard Donald, the MIRO tractor, which was parked on the pier alongside the inland MIRO rescue boat.
Thirty-two people took advantage of the free ‘Give it a go Coastal Rowing’. Fiona Johnson, Captain of Findhorn Coastal Rowers, said: “Of the 32 people who came to try rowing, we are confident that a few will join our club.
“The whole afternoon was a fantastic team effort with people helping out wherever and whenever they were needed. A huge thank you to all the coxes, club rowers and members who came along and helped out and did it with a smile. We couldn’t do it without them.
“Thanks to Findhorn Residents’ Association and everyone else for making the afternoon such a success.”
Lots of people also took the opportunity to visit the Findhorn Heritage Centre and Ice House. Volunteer, Fiona Thomson, who was on duty at the Ice House on Sunday afternoon, took the opportunity to extend the usual opening hours to align with the fair.
Tim Negus, Chairperson of Findhorn Heritage Centre and Ice House, said: ”Extending our opening hours enabled more people coming to the village for the fair to visit the Ice House and find out about the history of Findhorn.
“A record number of 97 visitors took the opportunity to visit the Ice House on Sunday afternoon. Many thanks to the many volunteers who give up their time to ensure that the Heritage Centre and Ice House are available to visitors to the village.”
Sam Russell, Chairperson of FRA said: “It was fantastic to see so many people turning out once again to support the Findhorn Village Fair. It really was a great turn out. We were very lucky with the weather.
“We were delighted that the heavy rain in the morning that made it so challenging to set up cleared up just as the fair was due to start. We only had a quick shower in the afternoon, which thankfully didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. The fair is the FRA’s main fundraising event of the year.
“The money raised enables the FRA to improve the village environment and support local groups and good causes. Proceeds from the fair cover expenditure throughout the year, such as grass cutting, floral displays, Christmas lights, Hogmanay fireworks, repairs to the play park, public liability insurance, etc.
“I would like to say a sincere and very big thank you to the many local businesses who donated raffle prizes, to the RNLI volunteers who once again brought the Agnes AP Barr lifeboat from Invergordon and to all the volunteers who gave a huge amount of time and effort to make the Fair such a success.”
The Findhorn Residents Association meets regularly in the James Milne Institute in Findhorn. Anyone wishing to attend would be very welcome. Please get in touch if you would like more information.”
For more information about Findhorn Residents Association, contact Sam Russell, Chairman, on 07740763136.
Pictures by Paul Heartfield.
