'Tis the season for festive fairs, and the Haslemere community turned out in force despite Storm Bert’s downpours.

The 40th anniversary Rotary Christmas Charities Fair at Haslemere Hall broke records, raising more than £6,000 for local charities. The event was officially opened by Mayor Oliver Leach, with Town Crier Christian Ashdown, Rotary Member Simon Wilden, and the 1268 RAF Air Cadets (Haslemere) Squadron in attendance.

Support from Haslemere Town Council and sponsorship from Stricklands Dental Fitness Centre and Grayshott Pottery made the fair a success, with stallholders exempt from hire fees this year to encourage participation. Visitors enjoyed an array of festive gifts, homemade cakes, and handcrafted items, along with Father Christmas’s Grotto, a craft workshop by Undershaw, face-painting, raffles, and tombolas.

Originally founded in 1984 by BLISS Baby Charity, which supports premature and unwell newborns, the event was taken over by Haslemere Rotary Club in 2021. The Hospital League of Friends, a founding participant, continues to support the fair.

The High Street also buzzed with thousands for the 23rd annual Haslemere Christmas Fair, featuring cheese vendors, unique gifts, and local shops on the first day of December.

Councillor Leach said: “‘The community has come out in full to support all the local traders and those who have come from afar. We have lots of charities here as well, so what an amazing day for all.”

Chairman Melanie O’Dell praised the volunteer effort: “The fair is run entirely by volunteers, so there’s lots to be grateful for. They start work at 5am and will go on late into the night; without them, the fair couldn’t happen.”

Next up: the Town Council’s Christmas Carols at the Museum Gardens on December 12 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The council has told attendees to: “Bring your voices and your festive spirit – see you there!”