‘Walking the Fair’ is a centuries-old tradition in Walsall
This Friday, 24 April sees the annual ‘Walking the Fair’ event in Walsall.
Each year the Mayor, guests and townsfolk walk the symbolic route through the town centre and Walsall Market in recognition of the vital role that markets play in establishing enterprise in the town.
According to its organisers Walsall Civic Society, the age-old walk is steeped in history and dates back as far as 1662. It heralds the opening of annual fairs, or markets and celebrates the town’s right to trade. This right was originally granted in Walsall’s charter by King Charles I.
The Mayor of Walsall, Peter Smith will lead this year’s celebration from the town centre.
He said, “This is a vibrant and colourful event and a highlight of my Mayoral Year. It is important to value heritage events like Walking the Fair as it not only keeps the tradition alive, but provides entertainment for local people. I’m delighted to be taking part and look forward to chatting to our time honoured traders along the way.”
Walking the Fair 2014 – then Mayor Cllr Mohammad Nazir leads (Pic: Stuart Williams)
The opening to the walk starts at 10.30am in the square outside The Crossing at St Paul’s in Darwall Street, adjacent to the Bus Station.
Performance highlights from outside the church include a special ‘Sister Dora Dance’ from The Glorishears of Brummagem Morris dancers, and a special call to order from the Town Crier, Cyril Richardson, who will then give readings from the Ruffus Charter of 1225, the town’s oldest document.
The procession, which is expected to last an hour, will then cross The Bridge and move up Bradford Street and through the Market, where the Mayor will meet with traders who have collected gifts for his charity.
Noddy Holder is hosting an evening of 60s Mania at Walsall Town Hall in support of the Mayor’s Charity Appeal later this month.
Freeman of the Borough of Walsall, Noddy Holder, returns to his home town on Friday 27 March 2015 as compere for this charity concert. The evening will feature two 60s tribute acts, The Born Again Beatles and a ‘British Invasion’ tribute act, with support from Q4, Regale, and as seen on The Voice, Misternothing with Mitchel Elms and The Rooz with Louis Coupe.
Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Pete Smith, said: “We hope this concert will be a sell-out. Tickets cost just £10 each and for this there will be a terrific host for the evening, Noddy Holder, and over four hours of musical entertainment.
“All the supporting acts will perform at least one well known song from the 60s which will make 60s Mania a night to remember.
“Noddy will also be running the draw for a really impressive raffle on the evening.”
All proceeds after costs will go to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal beneficiaries MS (Black Country branch), Macmillan (Walsall Branch), Walsall Heartcare and Bloxwich Community Partnership.
Walsall Council House (pic: Stuart Williams)
Doors open at 6.30pm, as will the bar, with the concert’s first act going on stage at 7.30pm with The Born Again Beatles appearing later in the evening.
Tickets are now on sale from Walsall Town Hall Box Office and can be purchased by calling 0845 111 2900 (Option1) or visiting the Council House on Lichfield Street from 10am-12noon and 2-4pm.
If any business or organisation would like to sponsor the event or donate an item for the Charity Concert raffle, please contact the Mayor’s Office on 01922 652072.
Walsall’s Mayor is appealing to kind-hearted residents to support his charity appeal – either through donations or by organising fundraising events.
Councillor Dennis Anson’s chosen charity is one that is very close to his family’s hearts.
He is raising money for Leukaemia and Melanoma Research which is the only UK charity solely dedicated to research into blood cancers.
The Mayor’s daughter Denise was diagnosed with leukaemia seven years ago.
He explained: “I want to make sure that the research into this condition continues as I want anyone affected to be able to benefit from the advances being made.
“Leukaemia and Melanoma Research is life-saving research that is focused on finding causes, improving diagnosis and treatments, and running ground-breaking clinical trials for all blood cancer patients.
“Blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma affect people of all ages from babies to grandparents. We need to be sure that we reach all those touched by leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and give them the best possible chance of survival.
“My daughter had treatment to start with and is now taking medication but we are hopeful of her going into remission.
“Others are not so fortunate and it is vital that research continues.
“I would like to take this opportunity of inviting the townspeople of Walsall to support the worthy cause I have officially adopted as The Mayor’s Appeal 2012/2013. The Charity Appeal will be open to any donations, however small, until the end of my Civic Year in 2013 and I am sure people would agree that is a very worthy cause.”
Donations can be sent directly to the Mayor’s Personal Assistant and, if available, the Mayor would be delighted to receive them personally at the Mayor’s Parlour.
People will receive a receipt for all donations made. Cheques should be made payable to The Mayor’s Appeal 2012/2013.
Teenage fundraiser Jessica Watts hopes her “Fab in Feb” fashion and talent show will be all the rage as she sets about boosting the Mayor of Walsall’s Charity Appeal.
Jessica, a past Princess of Bloxwich Carnival who carries the title Miss Teen Walsall Galaxy and will represent the town in the national competition in March, will be staging her own show at the Village Hotel in Walsall on Sunday 19 February.
And the stars sashaying down the catwalk will be the young people and helpers from all three charities that the Mayor is supporting during his term.
As well as giving Kate Moss a run for her money, the charities will also be showcasing youngsters’ talents with songs, poetry and performances featured in between the fashions.
Jessica, who is 16 and lives in Bloxwich, said she was “excited and nervous” about the event.
“I wanted to make the charities the stars of the show which is why all the models will be drawn from the three causes that the Mayor is raising money for,” explained Jessica who is a beauty apprentice at Chatabox in Leamore.
“It will feature up to 20 models, including the young people and helpers associated with the charities, and we will show clothes from some of Walsall’s independent fashion shops as well as the larger stores.
“We will also have a talent element to the show so that young people can sing a song, or recite a poem or dance for the audience. The show is all about them and they will be taking centre stage.”
Tickets cost £5, to include free entry into a prize draw, and will be going on sale later this month (January).
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Garry Perry, said: “Fab in Feb sounds like a great way to banish the Winter blues and enjoy some retail therapy.
“Jessica has been a wonderful fundraising ambassador so far during my term and she is working hard to engage young people in the borough.
“To feature the young people connected to my charities is a lovely idea and I’m sure they’ll have a ball.”
The Mayor’s Charity Appeal is for The Creating Chances Trust, The Swing and PROUD (Parents Relatives and Others Understanding Down’s Syndrome).
The Mayor and Mayoress of Walsall Cllr Garry Perry and Mrs June Perry
Christmas 2011 is upon us, and as we prepare to celebrate this special time of year I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year.
I am already over half way through my Mayoral year, and it is amazing how quickly this time has passed.
When I was appointed Mayor back in May I felt truly honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to hold this office and this honour has grown and grown.
Since May I have been delighted to meet many groups, clubs, organisations and societies that exist in and around Walsall and to find out more about what they do and as a result I have met so many wonderful people.
The work that is carried out behind the scenes in our town is truly remarkable, and a great credit to our communities and I wish them all well for the future and trust that they will continue with the outstanding work they do.
There is a great deal of uncertainty for many of us at present, especially in the current economic climate.
Although Christmas is a time for celebration and happiness, we must bear in mind those less fortunate than ourselves, and extend our help and support wherever possible. We give thanks for all those that work to protect us – the Police, Fire and Ambulance Service, for staff working in our Hospitals and those that support Care in the community, as well as those serving in our Armed Forces overseas.
The downturn in the economy will no doubt have left some of our local businesses feeling gloomy, but I take great heart from the efforts of small businesses who have forged ahead taking the current climate as an opportunity to change, partnerships in our Town and District Centres are taking shape and meaningful progress has been made. It is at times like this however that we should endeavour to keep trade local, and support our local traders whenever possible.
It is also in times like these where we need to nurture the spirit of the community, this I know is the foundation of our Borough and I have witnessed countless examples of selfless, caring and inspirational people all working hard to improve the well- being of fellow residents and the areas in which they live.
The youth of our town also deserve a special mention I have been privileged to have been invited to many Schools and youth organisations for various events, all of the groups involving children and young people are being guided and encouraged by people that really care, and the results are amazing. Thank you to you all, you really do make a difference.
I would also like to express my sincere thanks to all my colleagues on the Council including the Chief Executive and Officers who not only have given me great support, but all work with other organisations on behalf of the interests of the community in which we live.
I also thank my family, friends and fundraising team for providing stable support and friendship and giving their time in order for us to raise funds for my Mayoral Appeal and hold some excellent events.
Finally, heartfelt thanks to my own Community of Pelsall for their continued support and for their help during what has been a busy year.
To all of you that I have had the privilege of meeting this year a very big thank you for making myself and my Mum June feel so very welcome. Every event that I have attended has seen a hand of friendship extended, and I feel very fortunate to have met so many wonderful people.
I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a New Year filled with good health, optimism and joy.
Councillor Garry Perry Mayor of Walsall 2011/2012
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