Royal charter saved but sadness as historic fun fair could not open
An ancient Royal Charter protecting the city’s historic Sloe Fair was saved this week bringing a sense of relief to many. Yet not being able to hold the event in its full glory left a sense of loss to some. One fairground attraction was placed on the Northgate car park to keep the tradition of the annual fair alive on
October 20. The full event could not go ahead due to the car park being used for a Covid-19 testing centre. Members from Future for Fairgrounds attended to show their support for all the people who were unable to set up their attractions.
An ancient Royal Charter protecting the city’s historic Sloe Fair was saved this week bringing a sense of relief to many. Yet not being able to hold the event in its full glory left a sense of loss to some.
One fairground attraction was placed on the Northgate car park to keep the tradition of the annual fair alive on October 20.
The royal charter was protected but many were disappointed the district council said the fun fair could not go ahead as usual due to the car park being used for a Covid-19 testing centre.
Joey Noyce, treasurer of the London and Home Counties Section of the Showman’s Guild said: “I’m disappointed the fair couldn’t take place because of the Covid-19 test centre. We had completed the Covid risk assessment.
“We understand, from the Guild’s perspective and we have worked very closely with the council.”
Members from Future for Fairgrounds also attended to show their support for all the people who were unable to set up their attractions.
Bernice Wall said: “The fair is lost. This one ride has been brought here today to represent all the rides and all the stalls that would normally attend this impressive funfair.
“We are very disappointed. We are a victim of the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s here just as a token to keep the charter rights alive but all the families that would normally attend, they have got no wages this week.”
Joannie Peak said: “It’s a significant loss of income. We are keeping them alive this year so that next year that can return in full swing and provide incomes for lots of families.”
The fair dates back about 1107 when the right to hold a fair was granted by Henry I to then Bishop of Chichester, Ralph de Luffa. It is said that if the fair is not held, then the city loses its right to hold it in
the future.
During the Second World War, showman Harry Stroud set up a stall to protect the royal charter.
Members of the Chichester Society executive committee attended on Tuesday and shared their gratitude that the
ride was set up.
Rodney Chambers said: “It’s part of the city. I think to be realistic in this year of Covid 19 we weren’t surprised. It was difficult to do but we are very grateful indeed to the Showman’s Guild for producing this and for the
council for permitting it.”
Fellow society member, John Templeton, added: “We got worried a few months ago about what would happen if the fair were to not go ahead. If we broke the chain, would it ever be allowed to come again. It’s so much part of the tradition of the city.”
Three generations of Sloe Fair fans came along to show their support.
Barbara Stewart-newell from Sloe Close, said: “I thought it would end up worse than this right back in June so I messaged a few Facebook friends to ask them what they thought.”
Had nothing been arranged to protect the ancient charter, Barbara said she planned to bring down a paddling pool for a make-shift ‘Hook-a-duck’ attraction.
For Barbara and her family, the Sloe Fair is part of their own annual tradition. She added: “The first time [ my daughter] came to the Sloe Fair, she was six months old in a pram. Both my daughters have been ever since every year as long as they were in the country and if they weren’t in the country I had to come in their stead.”
Barbara’s daughter Josephine Henry came along with her own daughter who hoped to enjoy the fair on her third birthday.