Crowds gathered at Jameston for the St. James' Fair, last Monday. This is an old custom revived in 1987 and it has been an annual event since then.
The day dawned misty and damp, but enthusiasm was not thwarted, the villagers prepared with good cheer and the promise of a happy day for all. By 11.30 that morning all was ready and many people gathered in Gainer Way to take part in the procession.
This was led by the band and included the fair queen, village crier, clown, children in fancy dress and Celtic dancers who all made a colourful sight as they processed through the village to the stage in St. James' place.
The village crier had given out numerous gas filled balloons, generously donated by Texaco and the police presence made safety paramount.
Rev. Victor Millgate, vicar of the parish, gave a blessing and Mr. Howard Davies officially opened the fair. He has lived in Jameston all his life and he paid grateful tribute to the fair organiser, Mrs. Williams and the committee for their continued efforts to keep the village fair tradition alive.
This year's fair queen Natasha Fiddy was crowned and she looked a picture in her beautiful dress adorned by the special Jameston sash. Mr. Davies announced the winner of the best dressed stall to be the WI Market and it was a colourful eye-catching display indeed.
The fancy dress entrants were few, the under six years class was awarded to Eve Kidney as Miss Sparkle and Seth Davies as Batman. The winner of the under 11 class was Tiffany Harries dresses as an Ice Queen. All prizes awarded, the village crier, Des Brown announced the fair open and asked everyone to support the stallholders present as many were representing charities.
The fun of the day began with a musical interlude from the Brown Brothers plus two, a local Blues Band, followed by a display from the Celtic dancers and when you feet stopped tapping the Magician was ready to entertain young and old alike, he delighted a large audience.
It was a pleasure to see so many people enjoying such fine, free entertainment. When pangs of hunger were felt, one could take a pub lunch at the Swan Lake Inn or fish and chips from Jayne and Danny's van.
Later the ever popular cream teas were available and they were sold out by 4 pm when the Grand Raffle took place and many quality prizes were won.
The stallholders had a good day too, entertained whilst they were selling. The fortune teller had a constant cue outside her tent and the lady face painting was kept very busy.
Young children enjoyed fair rides and there were games for the older children. A satisfied weary group cleared away all evidence of the fair to make way for the evening open air entertainment, held in the same place.
The music was provided by a group from Bristol called Rhythm Method. They played to a large appreciative audience and everyone enjoyed a dry balmy evening outdoors, listening to a varied set of songs to suit all ages.
Once again, St. James' Fair in Jameston was a great day out for all, providing happiness, harmony and a chance to meet friends and neighbours in a community spirit filled with unison and harmony. Make a date in your diary for next year, Monday, July 28.