On Sunday 5th December, BLSAR provided Marshalling and First Aid support at the Woodley Christmas Fair.
The day started early with the typical and expected cold, brisk, and windy English weather, ensuring the season was suitably respected with plenty of layers needed to be worn by all.
Stall-holders were directed to their pitches by BLSAR, and soon had their wares ready under weighted-down gazebos and festively decorated vehicles ready for the fun and festivities to begin.
Layered like onions, the people of Woodley and beyond meandered through the stalls, eating and drinking festive goodies on their way to keep warm and cheery whilst picking up gifts and treats for their loved ones (or themselves), and enjoying the merrment and entertainment around them.
From the delightful and somewhat 'out-there' antics from the Musical Ruth (She's Nuntastic! (musicalruth.com)), the street performing elves, musicial treats, and dance acts on centre stage, to the gracious visit from Father Christmas himself on is magical sleigh, the day was filled with jolly-holly-joy for young and old.
(Mrs May, Matt Rodda,Cllr Keith Baker,Brian Fennelly,Cllr Janet Sartorel)
Local dignitaries, including Former Prime Minister, Theresa May, and Labour MP for Reading East, Matt Rodda also attended the day. They visited the stalls, stopped to speak with the stall holders, and had many a photo taken with the public. BLSAR are proud to have had the opportunity for conversations with both Theresa and Matt and delighted to have had a group photo taken with them by the local newspaper photographer too.
Matt Rodda took his moment on centre stage to thank everyone for supporting the local communities by attending the Woodley Fair, and BLSAR can be seen in his video clip about the Woodley Fair on his Twitter feed (Matt Rodda (@MattRodda) / Twitter)
With no injurious incidents occurring, thankfully no First Aid was required, however BLSAR were ready and able to support throughout the event, marshalling traffic in and out of the area, providing support (and hot drinks where needed) to stall holders, and working with the Centre Manager, Brian Fennelly, to ensure the day ran according to plan.