HEAVY shire horses ‘Griffin’ and ‘Pride’ offering Fullers’ dray cart rides, were a big draw at Witley fair on Saturday.

Further highlights were country dancing by Witley Infant School, an energetic Zumba session “performed in a sprinkle of cooling rain”, children’s races, and live music by The Wilkins Micawber Collective Band.

Witley Pantomime Company took a break from face painting and applying glitter tattoos to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special show in the Chichester Hall, which went down a treat with villagers already enjoying All Saints Church tea and cake. Also well received, were performances by three girls from the Arden Holford School of Ballet.

The sun came out in time for the fair’s popular dog show and visitors were keen to meet Griffin and Pride, who were giving cart rides throughout the afternoon. Junior show-goers also enjoyed sitting on and pretending to drive the digger brought along by Shorts Plant Hire.

The traditional village fair is organised by the community and local organisations were offering all sorts of fun activities, including a “Right Royal Fruit Machine” by 1st Witley Guides, Guess the Name of the Teddy by the Brownies and Rainbows, pancakes made to order by the Cubs, and a toys and games stall by the Beavers.

The Milford Pumas football speed camera challenge was popular as were the coconut shy and tombola mounted by All Saints Church, while Witley Cricket Club challenged all-comers to Bowl the Batsman. The Godalming and Villages Lions and the League of Friend of Milford Hospital ran bookstalls and Eastlake Care Care offered Hook a Duck.

Organising committee member Sarah Carter said: “Chandler Junior and Witley Infants had a tuck shop and decorative bags of sweets for sale, and the Witley Gardening Association plant stall was decked with glorious flowers. Witley Cricket Club provided the barbecue, the Fosters Club ran the beer and Pimm’s tent, All Saints Witley made a range of spicy falafels and hummus, and Friends of All Saints sold delicious strawberries grown by Milford farm Hall Hunter. Children enjoyed applying temporary tattoos on Stepping Stones nursery’s stall.

“As well as raising funds for Witley’s community groups taking part, a sum of £700 was raised for this year’s charity, The Meath in Godalming. The fair committee would like to thank all our visitors and everyone who helped, ran a stall, provided entertainment, donated prizes or provided sponsorship.”