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Clonter Fair 2021
Thunder and lightning (very very frightening) was predicted today, but never came (who’d be a weatherman or woman). Our gardens did however get a good soaking today. Not like Sunday!
The English are notorious for talking about the weather. And you wonder why. Of course. It is so changeable, and not something to be taken for granted. And never more relevant was it to mention than in regards to Clonter’s Fair. Last year there was not just one but two torrential downpours. But not this year. For the Clonter Fair 2021 the weather could not have been more glorious.
And people came in their droves, reaching record numbers (717 on the clicker) And there were more dogs than ever. The Longest Ears competition was made very difficult to judge this year with the added complication of considering ratio of ears to body size. Also the Best Rescue was very tricky for the judges, considering each one’s moving story. Hardest of all the categories to judge was the Waggiest Tale as ever. There were also record numbers of car booters, after all the life laundry that people had been doing over the various lockdowns. Treasure was definitely to be found. And in spite of a clash with the Smallwood Vintage Rally, The Congleton Beartown Classic Car Club still showed loyalty to Clonter, and came with their fine gleaming automobiles. The new addition this year was local footballer Jessy Bavanganga from Leek Town FC, on the Beat The Goalie activity. Also debuting at Clonter was local baritone, Jordan Harding-Pointon treating the Clonter audience to a mixture of opera and musical theatre. Clonter was also delighted to welcome back the Sandbach Ukelele Group. Also returning was the Swettenham Church Social Committee with their home baked cakes, and providing a steady flow of that all important cup of tea. Clonter was most grateful to Busker Newton (familiar to many in Congleton high street) for kickstarting the entertainment, with the whole day glued together by Dane Sound Community Radio, whose assistance in particular with compering the dog show was hugely appreciated There was a tremendous sense of it being the last of the summer wine, before the nights start to draw in, and children go back to school. Particularly endearing and rewarding were the squeals of joy emanating from the sports day, most notably during the three legged race.
Thank you also to all the stall holders – where would a fair be without people peddling their wares, and keeping people fed. So hungry were the punters, that all the food vendors ran out!
The last word must go to the volunteers – What would events such as these do and be without them. 20 strong they welcomed the public through the gates, reloaded the rats in the drain pipe for Splat the Rat, readied Dong the Bell, for those wishing to impress with their physical prowess or shake off the Lockdown blues. Both proving very popular this year, and choraling entries for the various dog show and sports day events. As the weather changes, days like this seem even more precious. Clonter raised £2,800 to be split between the Clonter Farm Music Trust and Cancer Research UK.
Now Clonter turns its attention to a new venture catering for a very different audience – hosting a House Music Event on Saturday 18th September – Hereafter Festival.
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