Anger brewing over beer tent ‘administrative error’
A row over the running of Bearsted Fayre’s beer tent left one microbrewery boss with a bitter taste in his mouth.
Tony Williams, of Musket Brewery in Linton, ran the bar at the much-loved community event last year.
In February he was sent an email headed exclusive, inviting previous stallholders to re-book for the June 2017 fete.
But he said he was told not only had the pitch been given to another company, but in midMarch chairman James Capon admitted this had been done a month previously – before the advance email was sent.
In explanation, Mr Capon said this had been done because he was under the impression Musket Brewery did not wish to attend after poor weather hit sales in 2016.
Later he also states bookings are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Mr Williams, 63, said: “This makes a complete nonsense of the fair’s own rules inviting previous stall holders to attend, before inviting other interested parties. However, Mr Capon seems to think waiving the rules in this way is perfectly acceptable and now refuses to rectify his mistake.”
Bearsted and Thurnham Carnival and Fayre takes place on Saturday, June 24, on Bearsted Green.
Now in its 38th year, it is run by a charity made up of volunteers and through it thousands of pounds are raised each year to support a host of good causes.
Mr Capon did not wish to comment, however a spokesman for the organisers said: “The fair’s committee has recently gone through a transitional period as we have sought new officers to replace retiring members.
“Unfortunately, on this occasion, an unintentional administrative error was made by recently appointed officers getting to grips with the fair’s organisational procedures.
“This resulted in emails being sent to some past and new stallholders in the wrong order. We have apologised to the stallholder in question and advised them which committee member can be contacted to resolve the issue.
“Any further correspondence from the committee to the stallholder will be treated by the fair as private and confidential.”