2010 PROGRAMME
24 May 2010
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
In addition to a jam-packed schedule of performances by talented musicians and dancers, we have laid on a host of entertaining activities for young and old throughout the day. These include children’s games, exhibits of items of historical interest, and an exhibition showing the various applications of wool.
MORNING PROGRAMME
9.55 Peal of bells from St Edmund’s Church
The Wool Fair is rung in by Shipston’s expert team of bellringers
10.00 Town Crier
Shipston’s very own Town Crier, Marian, won the Town Crier competition, against half a dozen or so large males, at the 2009 Wool Fair, and she will “cry in” the 2010 Fair in full voice!
10.05 Opening speech from former Town Mayor, Cllr Alan Noyce
It was Alan’s late wife Angela who thought of reviving Shipston’s ancient tradition of a Wool Fair last year. Sadly she passed away not long before the event, but her memory lives on!
10.10 Cheerful music from Shipston Town Band
Young and old, the members of the Town Band can be depended on to play a happy tune and get everyone in the mood for a day’s fun!
10.30 Start of Sheep Shearing Demonstration
Don’t miss this exciting part of the Fair! Several sheep will be sheared of their woolly coats in Market Square, by expert shearers Alan Scorer and Alice Hutchings. Alan will also provide an informative and amusing commentary throughout.
11.00 The Ilmington Morris Men
These skilled Morris Dancers will perform in full regalia and with jangling bells. Their dances are inspired by 350 years of Morrismen tradition in the picturesque village of Ilmington.
11.30 The Porter Family
From mood-creating bluesy numbers, to old favourites, to film theme tunes, to requests from the public ... this talented and celebrated local family can perform them all, in their own unique way!
12.00 The Ilmington Morris Men
12.30 Sheep Shearing Demonstrations
12.40 The Porter Family
More eclectic music!
13.15 Kevin O’Connor
Shipston’s own Country Singer!
TIME TO ENJOY A SPOT OF LUNCH! VISIT ONE OF SHIPSTON’S 5 EXCELLENT HOSTELRIES, EACH OF WHICH WILL BE PREPARING A DIFFERENT, DELICIOUS LAMB DISH. OR GET A SNACK FROM ONE OF OUR POPULAR LOCAL DELIS.
IF YOU WANT TO WORK UP AN APPETITE, TAKE A WALK TO THE TINY HAMLET OF BARCHESTON, HUB OF THE WEAVING INDUSTRY IN MEDIEVAL TIMES. ITS ANCIENT CHURCH WILL BE OPEN FOR VISITORS. OR SIMPLY STROLL AROUND THE FASCINATING BYWAYS OF SHIPSTON ON STOUR!
AFTERNOON PROGRAMME
14.00 Sheep Shearing – SPECIAL EVENT!
Take part in a competition to guess the time it takes to shear one special sheep. Fantastic prize for the winner!
14.15 Shuvani – Gypsy style Belly Dancers
An experienced troupe of Belly Dancers offering an exciting and eclectic mix of fiery, passionate and lively dance styles!
14.45 The GTQ
Soothing, subtle, light jazz classics from this great quartet.
15.00 Sheep Shearing
15.15 Laurence Jones (Guitar) & Katherine Abbott (Vocals)
Contemporary hits from this talented duo.
15.50 Raffle Prize Draw
Our Patrons The Rt Hon Lord Howe, Mrs Roy Williams, and Mr John Newbery will kindly pick out the winning tickets for a host of smashing prizes. An exciting and nerve-wracking moment!
16.00 FINALE
Town Crier Marian calls the Wool Fair’s close.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, AND SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
After the Wool Fair’s close, at 4.30 p.m., there will be an Art Auction at The George Hotel, in aid of the Angela Noyce Memorial Fund, established in Angela’s memory to assist the next generation of young artists.