THE annual Whitehill and Bordon Christmas fair went off without a hitch.

Last Saturday’s event, organised by the Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership and supported by many other community organisations in the town, saw a fittingly festive selection of activities and attractions.

Bordon’s Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre was one of the organisations involved.

The theatre put on a programme of lively entertainment on the outside stage at the Forest Centre, including performances from The Phoenix Choir, The Phoenix Cheerleaders and Mill Chase Choir.

The Young at Heart dancers performed as did characters from The Phoenix Players’ pantomime, which is coming up in January.

Roots, rhythm and blues band The Mantic Muddlers added a party atmosphere to the afternoon’s proceedings.

There were queues for Santa’s grotto and new for this year was a snowboarding experience. Schools raised funds on their stalls and the Headley Scouts provided a barbecue.

A serious message was shared by the police who took to the fair a crashed car, showing what could happen to those who drink and drive. At the same time Neighbourhood Watch signed up new members.

The Country Market provided chocolate for the children and a large Christmas tree, which will remain in the performance space, at the Forest Centre, over the festive period.

A Christmas Tree Festival was held at St Mark’s Church, organised jointly by the church and the charity Community First.

Groups decorated their trees in ways to represent the activities and services they offer. Mill Chase Academy students made decorations to represent the subjects they study. The Acorn Christian Centre invited people to write a name on a label so that volunteers from the centre could pray for them.

Walking for Health covered their tree in hand-knitted woollen hats and photos of the group out and about in the countryside. The Woolmer Forest Lions’ tree was decorated with lions.

Inside the Forest Community Centre, the Herald served mulled wine and mince pies as the crowds made their way into a craft fair. The volunteers in the community centre’s pop-up cafe were rushed off their feet serving homemade soup and tea and coffee.

“There was a real community feel to the day,” said Claire Coxwell, of the Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership Christmas fair planning group. “Thank you to the residents who came along and to those who helped on the day. If anyone wants to get involved with the partnership e-mail [email protected].”