It is one of the oldest street fairs in
Wessex and has been running, until recently, almost continuously since the
C13th under a charter granted to the Bishop of Salisbury for a fair “to be held
in his manor of Yetminster”. The lively atmosphere of Fair day in the village
calendar adds to the charm of the old stone houses and manors and memories of a
bygone age and attracts people from far and wide.
The return of the Fair after a two year pause was a great success and things got underway with the shrill of the pipes of the Wessex Highlanders Pipe Band leading the Yetminster Irish Dancers, the Yetminster Scouts and Guides leading the Opening Procession along the High Street. We had the well known The Quayside Cloggies performing and enjoying themselves in our “Yesteryear Field” as did No Mean Feet and our own Yetminster Irish Dancers who also danced in St Andrews Church which had been specially “flowered out” for the fair day.
The Junior Wriggle Valley Players were on hand to give us one of their plays and Happy Bottom Books organised story telling sessions for the children. The Black Sheep fiddlers were on good form as were the Yeovil Ukulele Band and Scottie our street entertainer was kept busy. Bruce Trigger, the Yeovil Town Crier was there to keep us in order along with Abbey Radio who did sterling work with their announcements and music.
As usual The
White Hart was at the centre of things and the cream teas provided by the
Yetminster Scout Group in the Jubilee Hall were a treat not to be missed whilst
browsing the various craft stalls. We were also happy to involve the Old School
Gallery and The ARK both of whom were kept busy on the day. We were fortunate
in having lots of new stalls and felt that the day was a great success.
This year’s fair will be held on Saturday 8th
July between 1.00pm and 4.30pm. A full programme of entertainment is being
arranged and newcomers Blanche and Alex at the White Hart are entering into the
spirit of things in a big way. New this year will be evening entertainment at the White Hart!
In addition to the Fair the Association also raises
funds through a yearly quiz and, has, from time to time, run themed “supper”
evenings. It also runs a lottery – the “50” Club” which is well supported with weekly contributions
from local residents.
The proceeds from YFA events help support
local groups and organisations and have included helping the local primary
school, providing additional seating for the village hall, costumes for the
Irish Dancers, support for Old School Gallery’s Art for All project, support
for the local football team and support for the Scout group. In 2016 we were able, through your support, to donate
over £1000.
We look forward to seeing you and your family and friends !
