WEEKLY column of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts. 

1. Fresh fashion fundraiser for local causes 

Providing a platform for talent is one of the aims of the biennial and popular Fresh Air Sculpture Show that took place in Quenington, near Fairford from mid-June to the beginning of July.

This year, on the last evening of the Fresh Air Sculpture Show, organiser Lucy Abel-Smith and her team at Quenington Old Rectory presented the Fresh Fashion Show – a spectacular event, showcasing innovative fashion designs.

Ticket holders for the Fashion Show had the Old Rectory Garden all to themselves to enjoy browsing round the 2024 Fresh Air Sculpture exhibits with a glass of champagne and delicious nibbles before the start of the Fashion Show itself.

The magnificent array of fashion from coats to kimonos, corsets to camisoles, and cardigans to bridal-wear featured inspirational and talented designer/makers and their models parading unique creations down the aisle catwalk of the 12th century village church of St Swithin’s.

Designer/makers included Clare Walsh, whose textiles were inspired by the beautiful nature in the Old Rectory gardens; and Carole Waller, who has a studio near Bath and brought her Summer collection ‘Clouds’ to the Quenington event. Another Fresh Fashion designer/maker was Ossatura, run by Burford locals Kezia Dubens and Hannah Mills. Their niche piece is corsetry, one example of which was worn by singer-pianist Victoria Canal when playing alongside Cold Play at Glastonbury in July.

Organiser, Lucy Abel-Smith said: “We were very lucky to have been blessed with a delightful, summer evening. Thank you to sponsors, The Lakes by yoo and all the loyal supporters who helped us raise funds for the Church of St Swithin’s, a bursary in sustainable textile research and a local hospice.”

Joey Casey modelling a one-off knit/collage coat by Sue Bradley 

2. Tacking climate change from Christian perspective 

 Dr Martin and Rev’d Margot Hodson will be attending a special 10am Service at St Mary’s Church, Fairford on Sunday September 1.

Rev’d Margot will give the sermon, and her husband Martin will lead the Q&A session and discuss environmental matters over coffee afterwards in Fairford Community Centre.

Nowadays Martin collaborates with numerous disciplines of science around the world – agriculture, archaeology, biogeochemistry, cancer research, chemistry, food science and climate change. This broad range of experiences means there are a host of opportunities for questions whether they are critical, positive or simply curious.

In a major profile in a recent Church Times article, Martin said: “As time has gone on, it’s become clear that we could alter the climate. We have altered it, and we continue to alter it. The Christian environmental movement is now very strong.”

This special service is a wonderful way to celebrate the start of the month-long Season of Creation, also known as Creationtide. It is a time in the Church calendar that recognises the goodness of God’s creation.

Come along to learn and to hear more about what can be done to tackle climate change from a Christian perspective.

3. Fundraising in memory of Baby Hunter 

Fundraising in support of The Lullaby Trust and in memory of Baby Hunter, there will be a Family Fun Day on Saturday August 31 from 12 noon-6pm at Fairford Youth Football Club, Horcott Road, Fairford. 35ft Bungee Run; Pillow Bash; Bouncy Castle; Bouncy Slide; 60ft Inflatable Assault Course; Face-painting; Hair-braiding; Soft Play; Food & Drink vendors; Evening Disco; Fireworks. Only £4 per person for unlimited use of inflatables – all day!

4. Next contemporary-style prayer and praise service 

The next contemporary-style Prayer & Praise service at St Mary’s Church is on Sunday September 1 from 6pm-7pm.

Everyone is welcome and this is a wonderful opportunity to invite family, friends and neighbours to church, especially those who have never been to church, those who haven’t been for years or those who have never found a church that feels ‘just right’ for them.

For more information, please contact carolinesymcox@googlemail.com or pa.wilkins@hotmail.co.uk.

5. Fairford History Society's next tomb trails

Fairford History Society’s next Tomb Trails at St Mary’s Churchyard will take place on Saturday September 7.

The first will start at 10.30am and will look at some of the more interesting graves on the south side of the Church. The second one will start at 3pm and look at some graves on the north side (similar to the All New Tomb Trail that took place in July). Each trail will take about one hour. The £3 contribution for the Trail will be shared between St Mary’s Church and Fairford History Society. If you wish to find out more, please contact enquiry@fairfordhistory.org.uk.

6. Nursery has places available 

Flying Start Nursery in Fairford has a few places available in September for pre-school children in the Owls pre-school room for children aged three years to school age. For more information, please call 01285 711711 or email info@fairfordnursery.co.uk.

7. Fairford Fireworks to return 

Save the date for Fairford Fireworks, which is back on Saturday November 9 at Fairford Cricket Club. Details to follow nearer the time. Please put this date in your diaries.

8. Next meeting of Lechlade WI

The next meeting of Lechlade WI is on Tuesday September 3 at 7pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall. Karen Holland from Lechlade Craft Barn will be showing ‘Paper Craft’.

9. Local charity shop selling goods 

Your local Charity shop, run by the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities and 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. Pop by to pick up a bargain! Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.

10. Help with care 

The Lechlade Caregiver is now available to give a little help to you or someone you know. Help with personal care, your daily routine or would you like to get out and about and feel independent again? Fully registered and has an enhanced DBS. For more information, call 07748 654466.

11. Closing date for competition 

Closing date for the children’s Summer Postcard Colouring Competition is Monday September 2 and is for children in 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 can show off their artistic talents designing, drawing and colouring in their own summer postcard on JPA Financial Planning headed paper.

Chance to win a book voucher for each of the three winners, plus a bag of sweets for every child that enters. Pick up an entry form from any Fairford coffee shop or JPA’s office at 27a London Street (almost next door to Sweet As Can Bee).