Weekly column of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts MBE. 

1. Top author to appear at Fairford Festival 

Award-winning author, Joanne Harris OBE, the writer of Chocolat, The Midnight Market, The Testament of Loki and many other novels is coming to Fairford Festival on Saturday June 8.

Joanne will be making a personal appearance at 4pm in the Literary Marquee in the grounds of Fairford Cricket Club and will be interviewed, taking audience questions and signing and selling her books.

The Fairford Festival committee can also announce that the Oscar-nominated film Chocolat, starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp and Dame Judi Dench, will be the film shown at the Open-Air Cinema in the grounds of Fairford Cricket Club on Thursday June 6 in the run up to the Fairford Festival weekend.

Tickets to see Joanne Harris cost £10 (one child under 16 free with one paying adult) and can be purchased online by searching for ‘Joanne Harris Eventbrite Fairford’ or via this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joanne-harris-at-fairford-festival-tickets-859303579137.

Supported by 7a Coffee Shop.

2. Popular spring fayre 

 The popular Palmer Hall Spring Fayre is on Saturday March 16 from 2pm to 4.30pm in the Palmer Hall, Fairford.

Handmade crafts and art, cakes, wax melts, cards, candles, gin glasses, cups, bath and body, hair accessories, jewellery and more. Raffle. Tea, coffee and refreshments will also be available.

For more information, contact Tracy on 07825 211830, tracy@bujas.co.uk.

3. AGM of Fairford and Lechlade Communities

The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities is on Tuesday March 19 at 7pm in Fairford Community Centre. Come and hear what the organisation has achieved over the last year.

All aspects of the charity will be mentioned including Home Nursing, Patient Transport, the Charity Shop, Lunch Club and fundraising events. Everyone is welcome.

Please look at the website - www.friendsoffairford.org.uk – for up-to-date information and documents for the meeting. The speaker this year will be Amanda Cully who is a valued volunteer and will be talking about the Fairford Christmas Lunch.

4. Mayor and councillor resign

Due to work commitments, Fairford Town Mayor, Vicky Lipscombe-Kettel and Councillor Tim Lafford have resigned from the Town Council.

If you want these vacancies to be filled by election, please contact Cotswold District Council to request an election by Thursday March 21. If no election is requested, the vacancies will be filled by co-option.

5. Monday Lunch Club at Fairford Hospital 

The Edna Dawes Lunch Club is ideally for the isolated and lonely.

We provide a sociable day out, hot meal and transport every week for just £10. Please contact Katie Bull, 07713607106. Provided by the Friends of Fairford and Lechlade Communities www.friendsoffairford.org.uk/lunch-clubs.

6. Vacancy at parochial church 

Following the departure of the previous Parochial Church Council Secretary at the end of last year, there is now a vacancy.

The role primarily consists of taking minutes at the PCC’s monthly meetings. If you’d like to learn more, or if you’d like to come along to observe a PCC meeting, do have a chat with Rev’d Caroline.

There are so many hidden skills amongst the local community – could this kind of role be one of yours? Or call the Parish office on 01285 712611.

7. Kempsford Beer Festival 

Kempsford Beer Festival and Six Nations live on the big screen on Saturday March 16 in Kempsford Village Hall. Doors open at 1pm. Wales v Italy at 2.15pm; Ireland v Scotland at 4.45pm and France v England at 8pm. Ales, cider, gin bar, Cotswold Chippy from 5.30pm. Card payments accepted.

8. Spring market 

The Crafty Boaters Spring Market is being held on Sunday March 17 from 10am-4pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall.

Free entry and free parking on site. Refreshments available with proceeds going to Lechlade Community Library. Follow on @craftyboatersmarkets.

9. History Society meeting 

The next meeting of Lechlade History Society is on Monday March 18 in Lechlade Memorial Hall. The topic is ‘The Oxford of Inspector Morse’ with Alastair Lack. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

All welcome. Members £8 plus £2 per meeting; visitors £4 per meeting. Refreshments available.

10. Pram service and play group 

Little Lights, the baby/pre-school pram service and play group, will take place at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade on Wednesday March 20. Doors open at 9.15am and pack up is at 11am. No charge and no need to book.

This is run by the Mothers’ Union and all refreshments are provided. For information, please contact Kathy Newton on 07508 563905.

11. Lechlade WI meeting 

The next meeting of Lechlade WI is on Wednesday March 20 and is a Coffee Morning at the Riverside, Lechlade starting at 10.30am.

12. Charity shop 

Lechlade Charity shop, based in the heart of Lechlade sells a wide range of quality goods including ladies, gents & children’s clothing, books, craft supplies, toys, vinyl and various household items.

There is also a feature rail for seasonal items and frequent sales. Pop by to pick up a bargain! Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm.