Country house puts on autumnal fair

The organiser of an autumn fair and wedding event at Leadenham was pleased and relieved with the numbers that turned up, ensuring 
sensible and safe social 
distancing could be assured.
Autumn fair and wedding event at Leadenham House. Rachael Lenton of Ingoldsby with her art work. EMN-200921-091820001Autumn fair and wedding event at Leadenham House. Rachael Lenton of Ingoldsby with her art work. EMN-200921-091820001
Autumn fair and wedding event at Leadenham House. Rachael Lenton of Ingoldsby with her art work. EMN-200921-091820001

William Reeve of newly established event venue Leadenham House had hoped to hold a spring fair, a folk festival, as well wedding fairs and functions throughout the year until the pandemic lockdown put paid to that.

To make up for the disappointments, he planned a last-minute fair in the grounds of the house on Sunday and the glorious weather attracted a steady, but manageable stream of visitors throughout the day.

Having launched the venue with last year’s Christmas market, William said this was a much more subdued affair, but he said he was glad of that to help visitors keep safe.

Autumn fair and wedding event at Leadenham House. L-R Izzy Drakard and Kathryn Drakard with  stall holder, Charlotte Kessler. EMN-200921-091759001Autumn fair and wedding event at Leadenham House. L-R Izzy Drakard and Kathryn Drakard with  stall holder, Charlotte Kessler. EMN-200921-091759001
Autumn fair and wedding event at Leadenham House. L-R Izzy Drakard and Kathryn Drakard with stall holder, Charlotte Kessler. EMN-200921-091759001

He said: “Stallholders had a generally good day. There was a different mix of people coming out, with more just happy to get out and enjoy the grounds, but visitors enjoyed it, with children dancing to the girls performing on their violins on the terrace.”

With hand sanitiser stations, track and trace forms and well-distanced stalls, he felt they had been able to support stallholders, who had hardly been out all year, and the local public appreciated the extra safety measures.

He said: “We have learned some good lessons in running an event while keeping people safe. We will look very carefully how we can bring things like last year’s fire pits and folk music back to add to that atmosphere without adding to the risk.”

William said they will now begin to promote and plan this year’s Christmas market unless Government guidance alters.