Description
Widecombe Fair - Tuesday 13th September 2011 - 9am till late.
First held in the 1850's, Widecombe Fair takes place annually on the second Tuesday in September.
It's an all-day affair so come early and stay 'til late!
This is real Dartmoor country fare. Something for everyone, especially children. The main events of the day are held on the fairfield but there are also many other things to see and do around the village.
To find Accommodation for the fair or Dartmoor review the categories on this web site, beware its a busy time book early.
Entry
There are some exciting changes this year. There is NO ENTRY CHARGE to the Fair Field.
We have reverted to the arrangements we had some years ago where there
is simply a parking charge per vehicle and free entry to the Fair Field.
Compared with last year, this means a saving of £18 for a party of four
adults and for two adults (with or without children) the saving is
still £4.
This is good news for everyone!
Parking
NEW FOR 2011! The parking arrangements have been improved for
this year. We have two new car parks for cars, which will be serviced by
a free Park and Ride to and from the village. These two car parks will
take all the expected cars and 4 x 4s can use them or use a separately
designated car park.
They will all be clearly signed and the usual one-way system will still
be in place. But with the new car parks there should be less congestion
and delay.
We have gone back to the charging arrangements we had in the past. FREE entry to the Fair Field and a single parking charge per car of £10, which includes the park and ride return coach.
To see how much you will save – go to the ENTRY page.
Coaches will pay the same fee as last year - £15.
Motorcycles - £5.
Disabled Parking is conveniently located adjacent to the Fair Field.
FOLLOW THE SIGNS! For more information on car park location, access and the one way system.
The History of the fair.....
In the Woolman’s Exeter and Plymouth Gazette dated Saturday, October 19th, 1850, it was announced that on the following Friday a Free Fair would be held on the Green adjoining the Church Yard at Widecombe-in-the-Moor. There would be a large show of cattle and quantity of Moorland sheep offered for sale.
On Saturday, November 2nd, 1850, the Gazette reported that "A cattle fair was held at Widecombe-in-the-Moor for the first time on Tuesday last." It was also reported that there was a large attendance of yeomen and gentlemen of the district and good business was done. It was thought that the fair should be permanently established. 736 sheep were penned, 75 score and 7 fatted beasts plus 4 bulls. One South Devon cow, reared by the vicar, Rev J.H. Mason, was sold for £15.10s. About 50 ponies were driven in, the breed and character of the Widecombe stock being highly appreciated. It was intended to fix the future date not to clash with any other neighbouring fair. It was agreed that Widecombe was fortunate to have a Green that was an ideal site, also that it could have a Free Fair.
The vicar, well known for his hospitality, held a large dinner party and celebrated the fair in "Fine Old English Style." Mr John Germon of Moreton presided and it is said that the guests left "brimful of enjoyment."
From the Parish Register we find that the guests included:
John Tozer of Solomon Tozer, Agent for the Rev T Fry
Lord of the Manor of Widecombe
Thomas Escott Cresswell
John Germon, Moretonhampstead, Chairman
James Woodlet, Halsanger - bought 34 sheep
John Sparke Amay (Amery), Druid, Ashburton
William White, Solicitor, Moretonhampstead
Wm A Cockley Solicitor, Ashburton
H C Creagh, Surveyor, Ashburton
Robt Nosworthy, Ford, Manaton
Henry Hals, Scagell, Farmer
John May, Yeoman, Moretonhampstead
W.B. Germon, Yeoman, Moreton
John Pearse, Butcher, Ashburton
John Coaker, Yeoman, Bellaford
The song used for the now famous Widecombe Fair can be traced long before 1850. The words and tune varied according to the part of the country, but always had the same theme of Tom Pearse and Tom Cobley.
By 1890 when the Rev. Baring Gould published it in his "Songs of the West" it had become known in its present form.
The original Thomas Cobley is thought to have died in Spreyton in 1794. His great nephew, a Thomas Cobley of Butsford in the Parish of Colebrook died in 1844 aged 82 years and is buried in Spreyton just outside the South door of the Church.
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Charities Supported
MONEY RAISED BY WIDECOMBE FAIR COMMITTEE IS GIVEN TO NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND LOCAL CHARITIES. RECENT DONATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO:
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE
HEARING DOGS FOR THE DEAF
GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTE
INJURED JOCKEYS CLUB
LEUSDON CHURCH
HOSPICE SOUTHWEST
THE RIVER RAPID YOUTH THEATRE
ASHBURTON LEAGUE OF MENDS
MACMILLAN NURSES
WONFORD HOSPITAL (EXETER)
THE ROYAI, BRITISH LEGION
DEVON AIR AMBULANCE
CITIZEN ADVICE BUREAU
ROWCROFT
PRINCETOWN SCHOOL
HUCCABY CIIURCH
CHURCH HOUSE, WIDECOMBE
THE SCOUTS
CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids)
WIDECOMBE SCHOOL
THE ENGLAND TUG'O'WAR TEAM REPRESENTATIVES
LEUSDON MEMORIAL HALL
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY
PARISH LINK
WIDECOMBE CHURCH TOWER APPEAL
WIDECOMBE PLAY GROUP
MENCAP
SENSE
THE COMMITTEE WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE WIDECOMBE PARISH WHO WISH TO OPERATE THEIR OWN STALLS OR OFFER RURAL ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE AGRICULTURAL THEME OF THE FAIR
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