WEEKLY Column of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts MBE. 

1. Kids competitions with sweets for all

Fairford’s new finance business, JPA Financial Planning is holding a Summer Postcard Colouring Competition for children offering a book voucher to each of the three winners, plus a bag of sweets for every child that enters.

The summer-themed colouring competition has three age groups: Pre-School; Reception Class to Year 3; and Years 4-6.

The two younger age groups will enjoy colouring in a pre-designed postcard showing summer holiday activities and the older children in Years 4-6 can show off their artistic talents designing, drawing and colouring in their own summer postcard on JPA Financial Planning headed paper.

Entry forms for the competition will be available from Thursday August 1 from Fairford coffee shops or from JPA’s office at 27a London Street, GL7 4AQ (next door to Sweet As Can Bee).

Once you have coloured in the postcard or designed your own postcard, complete the entry form and bring it together with your artwork to the JPA office on any Monday during office hours and receive a thank you for entering – a bag of sweets supplied by Sweet As Can Bee!

The last date for submitting your entries is Monday September 2. Winners will be announced later that week.

JPA Financial Planning provides holistic financial advice on all aspects of finances. They are a local family business run by husband-and-wife, Chris and Gemma Homer that relocated from Faringdon to Fairford earlier this year.

The office is open from Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm.

For more information about the competition or to find out more about your financial planning needs, please contact 01285 440310.

2. Charity open water swim

The sixth Lechlade Lions’ Charity Open Water Swim will take place on Saturday August 3 at Bowmoor Lake just off the A417 between Fairford and Lechlade. Swimmer check-in is at 8am and the event will close by 2pm.

It will be hosted by Olympic 10k swim medallist, Cassie Patten and will incorporate The Big Swim Challenge event, raising funds for Prospect Hospice. Fundraising will also support local youth and health care services and some swimmers will be raising funds for Combat Stress – a charity supporting military veterans.

The events comprise a 3k race at 9am; 1k, 2k, 3k challenge events from 10.30am and a 250m taster session for beginners. All swimmers will benefit from Cassie’s tips and techniques sessions on the day for swimmers of all levels at no extra cost.

All proceeds will go to where they are most needed in the community, so please sponsor this event at: https://www.lechladelions.org.uk/events1, clicking on the Donate button and then enter your account details and an amount. The event is open to all, and swimmers can reserve their places at www.lechladelions.org.uk/owls24. Family and friends are welcome to come for free – there is plenty of free parking.

3. Coffee morning for special cause

There’s a Coffee Morning in aid of Help Madina on Saturday August 3 at 10am-1pm in Fairford Community Centre – in the Barker Room and outside in the courtyard if the weather is fine. Craft stalls and raffle – cash only. Offers of cake, biscuits, scones or savoury bites welcome.

4. Former England captain's football school 

For the fourth consecutive year, ‘In The Box Sports Coaching’ has teamed up with ex-Arsenal and England captain, Tony Adams to bring you: ‘The Tony Adams Football School. Taking place between August 5-9 and, for the first time at Farmor’s School, the Tony Adams Football School offers a huge opportunity for any young player looking to advance their skills.

As well as Tony – one of the greatest Premier League players of all time – In The Box Sports coaches will be there to offer guidance and support to young players wanting to take their game to the next level. Limited spaces available, so register your interest at www.intheboxsports.co.uk/Tony-Adams.

5. Can you volunteer with important group? 

The Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities’ team of volunteer drivers take people to and from their medical appointments. In 2023 they completed just over 1000 drives! Please get in touch with our Transport Coordinator, Val, to arrange a drive.

There is a fixed rate fare for each journey to cover fuel costs – you will be informed of the rate on booking. If you are able to volunteer and join the team of drivers, please contact Transport Coordinator, Val Harvey on: 07540 798226, transport@friendsoffairford.org.uk. 

This year’s FairFest is being held over the weekend of August 9, 10 and 11 in the Walnut Tree Field, Fairford. FairFest is a free event bringing together the best of local bands and musicians, family entertainment, great food and refreshing beers and ciders in a perfect summer festival all weekend long.

6. Estate open day next week 

The Buscot & Coleshill Estate Open Day is on Tuesday August 6 starting at 10.30am. During the day, you will hear about the importance of Coleshill in World War 2; the model farm; the sad story of Coleshill House; the working watermill; the centre for rural skills; the NT education centre (with family activities); and walks. For more details, visit: www.utrnta.co.uk.

7. Dedicated to 'improving the county's roads' 

As part of Glos County Council’s ongoing investment in our roads, the Council has been testing four new pothole repair machines: the Roadmender, Bobcat, a Spray Injection Patching machine and the JCB Pothole Pro.

Last Friday, the finale of the machine trials could be seen in Lower Croft Road, Fairford with the Roadmender and the Bobcat operating along the same stretch of road in direct competition.

A full evaluation of the trials will be conducted to determine the speed and quality of repairs and more resources have also been committed to preventative work.

This means that when a pothole repair team is called out to fix a dangerous pothole, they will now have more time to fix other smaller potholes in the immediate vicinity before these develop into safety hazards.

Dom Morris, Glos County Councillor for Fairford and Lechlade-on-Thames as well as Cabinet Member for Highways and Flood, said: “I’m delighted to get these machines to Fairford to sort out Lower Croft Road.

"The work has proved popular with residents, who have offered positive feedback.”

Cllr Morris continued: “Some Councils are trying one or two of these machines but, in Gloucestershire, we’re testing many tools to get the best results. We’re absolutely dedicated to improving the County’s roads.”