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

1. Fairford Steam Show 

It’s full steam ahead for the Fairford Steam, Classic & Retro Show 2024 taking place on Saturday and Sunday August 17 and 18.

Fairford Steam that aims to showcase local businesses and what’s good about Fairford is open from 9am-5pm on both days with profits going to local good causes.

Get a taster before the weekend by coming to Fairford Market Place GL7 4AF for the Steam in the Square free event on Friday August 16 from 5pm-10pm when there’ll be steam engines outside the Bull Hotel and live music from Fairford’s Farmer John.

This is Fairford Steam’s second year back after nearly ten years. Organiser, Steve Evans said: “I’m thrilled that there’s been even more interest in the show than last year. I think we must be doing something right and giving people in and around Fairford a show that has been sorely missed, but is now back even better than before.”

Many favourites will be returning: steam, classic and retro exhibits, fairground, stalls, food stands, beer tent provided by Fairford Cricket Club and the Show Arena. There’ll be lots of new exhibits and things to do including the Ken Fox Wall of Death, Jacko & Nunkie children’s entertainer, and live music on Saturday night from the Mangled Wurzels and singer, Sally Vinyl.

A free bus service will run every hour on the hour from 9am-6pm from Fairford to the Show at Lake Field GL7 4BT and return. There’ll be extra car parking spaces available, more drinking water points and 50% more toilets.

Tickets available online at www.fairfordsteamshow.co.uk or on the gate on the day.

2. Sparebase Cyclist's success 

Jon Barber, who works at Sparesbase in Fairford, recently took on a bike ride challenge to raise at least £1,000 for the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities (FFLC).

At the end of July, Jon successfully cycled through (or as close as possible to) each town and village that the FFLC supports – just over 100 miles – and he did it in seven hours and 51 minutes!

To date, Jon has raised £1,035 and says his Just Giving page will remain active until the end of the year. He will continue to take any additional sponsorship via  www.justgiving.com/page/sparesbase2024 or cash donations handed in over the trade counter at Sparesbase, London Road, Fairford GL7 4DS.

Jon would like to thank everyone that donated, sponsored and supported him with his 100-mile bike ride.

Sparesbase is one of the UK’s leading boiler spares merchants with over 20,000 products in stock at its distribution centre in Fairford.

First established in 1991 as The League of Friends of Fairford Hospital supporting Fairford Hospital when it still had in-patient beds, the FFLC is a local charity supporting the health, social care and wellbeing of people in the communities of Fairford, Lechlade and surrounding villages.

3. Temporary road closure order 

All residents and businesses in and around the centre of Fairford please note that a Temporary Road Closure order has been applied for by the Fairford Steam Show for Friday August 16 from 2pm-10pm.

The order covers the Market Place and the High Street from the junction of the A417 up to Croft Alley.

This is to allow steam engines to travel safely in and out of the centre of Fairford and park in the Market Place for an evening of enjoyment for the community. Please do not leave any parked vehicles in this area during this time.

4. Much-needed services in area

With your help, the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities provide much needed services in the local community.

If you are able to volunteer in their charity shop in Lechlade, at the Lunch Club, as a driver, or at any event, please get in touch. Call 07938 244335 or email admin@friendsoffairford.org.uk.

5. Flower show this weekend 

The Down Ampney Village Flower & Product Show will on Saturday August 17 at 3pm in Down Ampney Village Hall. The Awards ceremony will be at 3.45pm. Entry: 50p.

6. Next meetings for groups 

The Probus Club of Lechlade is open to all males, meeting in Lechlade Memorial Hall on the first and third Fridays of every month at 10am for 10.30am. Talks last up to an hour and the next meeting is on Friday August 16 and the talk is ‘Riley Restoration’ by Alan Ward. Alan will be bringing his restored Riley to the talk and, if anyone would also like to bring their own Classic Car to the meeting, they are very welcome to attend. Coffee is available before the meeting starts.

The next meeting of Lechlade WI is a Coffee Morning on Tuesday August 20 at 10.30am at the Riverside pub, Lechlade.   A Children’s Activity Morning at Lechlade Library is on Wednesday August 21. All welcome – not just library members. A range of fun games for accompanied children aged 4-11 years. Drop in anytime between 10am-12 noon. Free.

7. Summer Holiday Art Camp 

A Summer Holiday Art Camp is being held by Crafty Little Monkeys on Wednesday August 21 and August 28 from 9.30am-12.30pm in the Keble Room, Fairford Community Centre. A morning of arty fun for primary school age children.

The perfect way to keep arty crafty children entertained whilst giving you a few hours to yourself too! Children will learn new skills, develop their creativity and have lots of beautiful creations to bring home too. Sessions cost £25 per child (siblings £22) and include all resources and tuition plus drinks and snacks. Suitable for children aged 5-11. This is a drop-and-go event. Adults are not expected to stay.

8. Supporting the Fairford Steam Show 

To support the Fairford Steam Show taking place on August 17 and 18, Cotswold Airport held an online competition to win a Golden family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) to the Steam Show. The lucky winners are Hayley Paget from Cirencester and Lewis Willing from Wantage.

will each enjoy a day with their families at the Fairford Steam Show browsing round hundreds of vehicle exhibits, trade stands, craft stalls, food vendors, the fairground, see the Ken Fox Wall of Death show and more.

Cotswold Airport, sponsors of Fairford Steam Show, is now a private general aviation airport, near Kemble, just southwest of Cirencester. It was built as a RAF station and was known as RAF Kemble. The Red Arrows aerobatics team was based there until 1983.