Hundreds enjoy traditional fair (From Witney Gazette)

Hundreds enjoy traditional fair

3:10pm Monday 1st September 2008 in Witney By David Horne

THE flatlands not far from Witney hosted this year's Wychwood Forest Fair and attracted hundreds of visitors.

The showground off Aston Road, Ducklington, is miles from the actual forest, but as organisers pointed out, it was once 'an integral part' of the historic Norman Forest of Wychwood. The fairs were a traditional part of life in the forest area, and were revived 11 years ago by the Friends of Wychwood.

This year, the emphasis was on promoting the work of young people, aged 16 to 25, as volunteers to support the landscape and wildlife within the forest.

Some of their work formed part of the exhibition displays, while another main feature was the Wychwood Tapestry, produced by children at five local primary schools.

Among the attractions were archery, Morris dancing, Hatwell's fun fair, and arts and crafts, as well as demonstrations of traditional rural skills.