A SUNNY Charter Fair 2018 attracted a record crowd and the fun included 17 town criers competing to be crowned South of England champion in a “first” for Haslemere as temperatures soared into the 80s.

Traffic diversions were in operation on the A286 and packed shuttle buses swelled the numbers, as the town centre was transformed into a giant fun fair on Bank Holiday Monday, with live music, including Haslemere Town Band, dancing displays, a Punch and Judy show, a petting farm, and more than 100 stalls.

A grand total of 17 of the country’s top town criers competed in the museum grounds at Surrey’s only contest, a popular Charter Fair fixture, not only for the Tennyson Trophy but also, for the first time, the South of England championship, which is usually traditionally held in the Dorset towns of Blandford or Dorchester.

Haslemere Mayor Malcolm Carter greeted them at The Georgian House Hotel and they paraded down the High Street to join him as he opened the fair, while Waverley Mayor Chiddingfold councillor Simon Inchbald presented the prizes. The two-part contest organised by the host own town crier Christian Ashdown, comprised a morning round proclaiming about their towns and an afternoon round on the theme ‘A Hare Brained Idea’ in honour of the town’s charity arts project Haslemere Hares.

The winner was Dorset town crier Alister Chisholm, while Bromyard’s Peder and Jan Neilson were judged the best dressed couple, and Helmsley’s David Hindle was best dressed crier.

Thanking everyone who had helped make the Charter Fair such a “fantastic” success, committee chairman Melanie Odell said: “How did the town criers get through the day in that heat.

“Congratulations to them all – what a wonderful sight with their colourful outfits parading through town.

And, it is always good to hear the town band in full swing, to see such talented dancers and musicians, and children enjoying the model railway and the fun fair.

“We are most grateful to St John Ambulance for their presence, Haslemere Museum for their beautiful grounds and hospitality and Haslemere Town Council for their support and use of the offices during the day.

“The event could not happen without the goodwill of volunteers who give up their time and energy to help set up, take down, litter pick and ensure that all runs smoothly during the day.

“May I take this opportunity to thank them all, especially the small committee who smiled throughout the day and kept going in the searing heat.