Bridport Community Charter Fair 2024 event a success

The Bridport Community Charter Fair returned this year, which celebrates both the granting of Bridport’s Market Charter over 700 years ago in recognition of the town’s rope-making industry, and Bridport’s Citizens’ Charter, reflecting the principles of 1998 Human Rights Act, as well as confirming Bridport becoming the UK's first Rights Respecting Town in 2018. 

Taking place last Saturday, (May 18) primarily on the Millennium Green, events started with a Maypole performance from the Lyric School of Dance and the crowning of the May Queen before the mayor gave out and array of community awards in a presentation.

Music at Bucky Doo Picture: Jennifer Dixon Photography 

The 2024 “Above and Beyond” Award was presented to Alan Williams who has, for many years contributed funding to local organisations, including the Arts Centre, Bridport Musical Theatre Company, Bridport Young Performers, and Axe Valley Ring and Ride bus service. He was awarded a medal by the Campaign for Better Transport at a parliamentary reception in the House of Commons.

The Charter Fair Trophy for a group or organisation was awarded to The Ropemakers Pub and its proprietors, John and Geraldine Baker.  

They said: “We’re delighted to have been selected for this trophy. We believe that we are perfectly placed to host events and raise money for charity. We firmly believe that a pub should be for the community and should be the central hub for social events.”

More than 40 stalls from community groups in the town were at the event including the National Coastwatch and the Bridport Youth and Community Centre, who have been fundraising £20,000 to keep the centre going.

Bridport Youth and Community Centre Manager Katrina Polanska said: "The charter fair was a perfect opportunity for the Youth and Community  Centre to come and show the town what we’ve been up to lately. 

"So many different organisations have stalls and displays, but for us this year was very special because we’re in the middle of a big fundraising campaign. And we could show people a bit more about what we’ve been up to and why and how they could contribute.

"It's a great networking gathering and we always make new connections with local groups. It’s a showcase for all the local organisations as well as a lot of fun.”

There were also performances on the green from the Bridport Steel Band, the Bridport Young Performers and Bridport Musical Theatre.

A children’s area at the event saw an array of activities including stories, a magic show, face painting and creative art experiences.  

Over in Buckydoo Square, a host of bands were playing under a gazebo including Bridport Big Band, Bridport Choral Society, Silver Lining and Shiraz.

Speaking about the wet weather on the day, Cllr Dave Bolwell, the mayor of Bridport, said: “The Charter Fair was a great success and although the rains came eventually, we had had four hours of pleasant weather to enjoy the entertainment and visit the various stands at Mountfield.”

Congratulating the Maypole performers, Cllr Bolwell said: “The young people taking part in the Maypole dancing were excellent, there was a great atmosphere and a variety of musical entertainment for the children and adults alike.”

He added: “I am sure all of the hard work by the Town Council staff and the many volunteers who set up and then helped on the various stalls was  appreciated by the many who attended the Fair.

“I am continually amazed by the number of Community Groups we have in Bridport and the enthusiasm shown to work together to make such events a great success. The Community Fair is truly back and in the calendar of 'must do' events in Bridport.”

There was also a huge portrait on display of Rex Trevett, a former chairman of the Charter Fair, which was a focal point for the event.

Rex Trevett portrait alongside his wife (Image: Bridport Camera Club)

The impressive artwork was created during the 2006 Charter Fair, one year after Rex’s death.

The charter fair is a partnership between Bridport Town Council and the Charter Fair Committee – the Committee singled out Claire Peters-Way, praising her hard work and organisational skills, and the Town Council’s Ground Team, without whom very little would have been possible.

Arthur Woodgate, Chairman of the Bridport Charter Fair said: "It started spitting at us after about three hours of fun in the dry, so we then had fun in the wet, and when it started to get heavy with us towards the end of the day, people stayed and more people came. That was lovely to see.

"We as the committee would like to single out Claire Peters-Way and praise her hard work and organisational skills, as well as the town council’s ground team, without whom very little would have been possible."