HUNDREDS of people enjoyed Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership’s Christmas fair at the Forest Community Centre last Saturday.

There was plenty of fun for everyone, with many indoor and outdoor activities and stalls. Inside the centre, Whitehill and Bordon Community Association hosted a craft fair, with 30 tables manned by local creatives selling an eclectic mix of handmade gifts and cards.

Outside, the car park was packed with activities, stalls, funfair attractions, food outlets, farm animals and a programme of music and dance to entertain visitors.

The performances were provided by the Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre and saw solo singers, folk groups, choirs, pantomime entertainers and a ukulele band.

For those in need of warming up, The Herald offered free mulled wine and mince pies at the hall’s entrance and Forest Community Centre volunteers served soup, cakes, sandwiches and drinks in the cafeteria area.

Father Christmas strolled throughout the day to distribute chocolate Santas provided by Lidl.

St Mark’s Church teamed up with Community Solutions Information Service to provide the first ever Whitehill and Bordon Christmas Tree Festival with a “magical display” of more than 20 trees all decorated by neighbourhool groups.

Whitehill Town Council were present to sell souvenir copies of a special photobook which has been published to capture the memories of the Farewell to the Garrison Festival held in the summer.

Curtis Bone, chairman of Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership, said that although the weather had “posed quite a challenge”, organisers were “pleased so many people supported the event”. He thanked all the volunteers who had helped out during the day.

Whitehill Town Council leader Adam Carew added: “Despite the weather, the town partnership have excelled themselves, most of the stall holders I spoke to had a good day in terms of trade, the Christmas tree is better than ever this year.

“I spent some time talking to a very knowledgable girl about her rare breeds at the petting farm, which was a clear hit with the children, but sadly I didn’t attempt the bucking bronco reindeer. A huge thank-you to everyone involved.”

Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership is a voluntary organisation which aims to develop events and activities which create a “thriving” and “active community”.