The Henley on Thames Christmas Fayre 2012 occurs every first Friday in December and is a great event for the town and its visitors. Henley centre is on a crossroads, so for the Fayre they just close the roads down for the evening; This makes a pedestrian area, safe for adults and kids that is secured at the 4 ends of the roads. Simple and practical , but also very safe which makes this an ideal place to come and not worry about your kids.
The lights were up, the centre was busy, all the shops were open, most offering hot drinks for free, and the atmosphere was great.
I bumped into two lovely ladies outside the Cancer Research Charity, offering mince pies and biscuits to any waif that passed, like me. Cheerful people, they were happy to be pictured, in exchange for a mention. So if you are coming to Henley, stop and see what bargains you can find at the Cancer Research charity shop.
Santa looked like he needed to work out, as he stood in the doorway of KuBu Spa, so I guess we know what his New Years resolution will be. The kids had lots to do all around the fayre too, and this year they even had a three story fun house.
Henley on Thames has its own firestation, and a retained crew of 12 firefighters, including the only female firefighter in Henley. So I have to call them firefighters and not firemen, but they still have a big red fire engine, and on Christmas Fayre night anyone can sit in it, sound the sirens and learn a bit about what these brave guys (and girl) do.
Needing a drink, it was easy to get a hot mulled wine, very seasonal and warming, and a drink with a real kick in it this year. It seems everyone put a bit of something into it, so it did the job on a cold night. A perfect open air free house!
Mind you, down the road was the Rebellion Brewery tent giving out —- FREE BEER. Awsome fellows the guys and girls at the Brewery, and I toasted them well on my drink.
There was a lot of flooding and the river had been ‘red flagged’, meaning it is unsafe to row on. The roar of the water rushing under the bridge was almost deafening. (worse was still to come a week later)
The Henley Christmas Fayre is as much about kids as adults, and there was lots for kids to do. From rides and merry-go-rounds, tombola, air rifle shooting (well this is Henley), ergo seat racing and falcon displays to candy floss and hot chestnuts everyone is catered for.
Although it was almost freezing, there was no rain and there was so much going on everyone was jovial and friendly. A good evening for all those who took part.
So until next year, when we can only hope for warmer weather, all of Henley wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
That looks good. I’m going to a Christmas Fair at Drumlanrig Castle tomorrow.