Every year we try to make the Chart Fair just a little better than the year before — and this year, I think we really pulled it off. The day was a wonderful blend of the old and the new: all the much-loved staples that make the fair what it is, alongside some exciting additions that gave it a real sense of occasion.

The familiar favourites were out in force. The dog show drew its usual delighted crowd. The cricket club barbecue did a roaring trade. The Rock Choir, the ukulele band and our wonderful local musicians filled the afternoon with music, and the field hummed with the easy chatter of neighbours catching up over a drink.

And then there were the new touches. Extra stalls and games. Andy Hiccup, a brilliant children’s entertainer who had the youngsters spellbound. A raffle bursting with prizes generously donated by local businesses and societies — bigger and better than ever before. And, most spectacularly of all, a hot air balloon.

The weather gods smiled on us. Not too hot, not too cold, not a drop of rain, and just the right amount of wind to let the balloon go ahead. Watching it rise above the Chart on a perfect summer’s afternoon, with the village gathered below — well, you couldn’t have asked for more.

The team behind the day

None of this happens by magic. It happens because of the small army of volunteers who give their time, energy and ideas to put the fair together.

This year’s organising committee was a wonderful mix of familiar faces — who bring years of experience and know exactly what makes the fair tick — and newer members whose fresh ideas and enthusiasm we’ve been so glad to have on board. Jonny Wilson rustled up new sponsors and made the raffle prizes more exciting than ever, while also making sure there was plenty for younger children to enjoy. Steve Marsden worked tirelessly throughout the day itself, helping keep everything running. Steve Porter joined Jackie Violet in managing the raffle, and we were so pleased that Steve made it along against the odds. And our youngest new committee member, Holly McLennan, brought real artistic flair to the day — her signs and decorations were everywhere you looked.

A day full of highlights

The fair got off to a great start with music from the choir, and from then on the field was a constant swirl of activity — more stalls and attractions than we’ve ever had. The dog show was a particular highlight, judged this year by Claire our MP and by Kate from Hazelwood School, who this year sponsored the event and helped make it such fun for entrants and spectators alike. We were thrilled to welcome back the Surrey Dance School, whose performances are always a treat.

We owe a particular thank you to our main sponsor, Platform Property. Tom Gilbert and his team have backed the fair for many years now, and their support — both in advertising the fair beforehand and on the day itself — is something we genuinely couldn’t do without. And a special mention must go to Limpsfield Cricket Club. So many of their members were there manning stalls, running games, serving food and pulling pints. The day simply wouldn’t happen without them.

Where the money goes

Funds raised at the fair are carefully looked after and put to work supporting projects in the Limpsfield Chart community. As many of you will know, we are regular supporters of the weekly community coffee mornings, which have gone from strength to strength. We are always on the lookout for new ideas and new projects to back. We have some plans afoot to make Christmas a little more festive this year, and we’ll report on those soon. If you have a suggestion, however big or small, please do get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.

Get involved next year

If reading this has made you wish you’d been more involved — or if you’d love to lend a hand next year — please do step forward. The fair runs on the goodwill, energy and ideas of people across the village, and there’s a place for everyone, whether you can spare an afternoon helping on a stall or fancy joining the committee and shaping next year’s event. New faces are always warmly welcomed.

Above all, thank you. Thank you for turning out, for bringing your families and your dogs, for catching up with friends and neighbours, and for making the day the brilliant community event it was. We’re all lucky to call this corner of the world home — and Sunday was a lovely reminder of why.

See you next year – 13 June 2027!

Emma Tinker

Chair, Limpsfield Chart Residents Association

For upcoming events and information see our new website:  www.limpsfieldchart.com