The Chairman's Report 2025

On Saturday 2nd August 2025, the sun shone brightly to mark a truly historic occasion — the centenary of the Rottingdean Village Fair. Thousands gathered in the heart of our community to celebrate this milestone, and the day could not have been more memorable.

This year’s Fair was the largest in recent memory, with over 65 stalls offering everything from handmade crafts and artisan produce to local charities and community organisations. A newly designed layout ensured that visitors could enjoy the event safely and comfortably, while stallholders reported excellent trade and an abundance of smiling faces throughout the day.

For the first time, we extended the Fair into the grounds of St. Margaret’s Church, creating a dedicated children’s area. Punch & Judy, magic shows, mini-archery and a charming petting zoo provided endless delight for younger visitors, all overseen with care, even including a cheerful lollipop team to ensure safe crossings.

Our Centenary Event

Entertainment was another highlight. Two performance areas showcased an outstanding line-up of local talent, including the debut of The Together Choir, whose uplifting performance was met with great acclaim. Much-loved features such as the Dog Show, hosted by Mewes Vets, the lively Pimm’s Bar in Kipling Gardens, appearances by the Brighton Morris Men, and the Rottingdean Drama Society’s interactive whodunnit ensured that the day was full of variety and spirit.

The Fair spanned The Green, Kipling Gardens and the Churchyard, creating a vibrant atmosphere of laughter, music, and community. Importantly, it was a joyful and incident-free occasion.

Our primary sponsors for 2025 were:

Grants & Donations

From a financial perspective, 2025 was one of the most successful years in recent history. Details are presented in the financial report (downloadable below), but I am delighted to confirm that we were able to distribute £5,000 to local groups and charities as follows:

• Whiteways Centre – £2,000 (£4,000 with matched funding)

• Sussex Heart Foundation – £1,000

• Rottingdean & Saltdean Lions – £1,000

• Brighton & Hove Wildlife Rescue Service (WARS) – £500

• Rottingdean Cricket Club – £500

In addition, it is estimated that the charity and community stalls collectively raised around £8,800 — an increase of £1,500 on last year.

Behind the scenes, the Fair requires significant planning, time and resources, and its continued success is only possible thanks to the support of sponsors, volunteers, and friends. On behalf of the Committee, I extend my sincere gratitude to all who contributed.

We particularly thank our commercial sponsors for their generosity:

• Brighton Tools and Fixings

• The White Horses

• Handy Travel

• David Webb Residential

• The Duck Inn

• The Mewes Vets

• Christopher Stringer

Their combined sponsorship, alongside a £500 gift from Visit Rottingdean and a £500 grant from the Parish Council, provided essential funding. In addition, the ongoing ‘Friends of the Fair’ initiative, made up of dedicated local supporters, raised £1,845 towards core costs — a significant and valuable contribution.

I would also like to give a special mention to The Plough Inn and its manager, Kenny, who contributed a considerable amount of time to help us deliver a great food and beverage offering - and to our many wonderful helpers on the day including David Hall, Ian Godfrey, Scott Lahive, Juanitta and Luke Jevenson, Damon, Alison, Michelle, Di, Dana, Cala and Sara – and James and Jamie for the incredibly successful Pimm’s Tent!

We also recognise the many and considerable efforts of numerous individuals, including:

Set-up team: David Bull, John Bryant, Bernard Turnbull, Kay Tipple, Mike Sexton, Nicola Farelly, David Spellman, Jessica and William Carr, Colin Alexander, Marion and Robert.

Gate volunteers: Gail, Crista, Sally, Anne, Jackie, John, Edwina, Julie, Claire, Carol, Diana, Jeannette and Bob.

Lollipop team: Bridgit Fishleigh, Louise Arnold, Colin Alexander, Stuart Hutchinson and Mike Pocock.

Making it happen

Performers and contributors: Neil and Dean of the Rottingdean Drama Society and their cast; all musicians and entertainers; Amanda Davidson for the poster; Bob Webzell for his photography; The Rottingdean Twiddlers for the sound; and our long-standing Master of Ceremonies, Maurice Thorogood.

Logistical support: John Bryant and the owners of Hilders Field for providing parking facilities and Dianne Bates and the Rottingdean Bowling Club for manning it on the day.

Finally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my fellow Committee members — Lynda Hyde, Peter Litten, Charly Jones, Denise Penn, Nadine Fox, Jo Newman and David Currie — for their tireless work throughout the year.

The centenary Fair was a truly fitting celebration of our village’s spirit, and we are deeply grateful to all who played their part. We now look forward with enthusiasm to next year’s event, confident that it will continue to grow in success and community pride.

With best wishes,

GARY FITZPATRICK Chair of The Rottingdean Village Fair

Gallery 2025

Photographic services kindly provided by Bob Webzell