THERE was plenty of fun in the sun when crowds flocked to Wanborough’s May Day Fayre.

Dozens of craft stalls and games were located in and around the village hall, and this year, organisers hope to raise enough money to purchase a replacement boiler and heating system for the hall which is central to the village.

Organiser Tessa Lanstein, who is Group Scout Leader for 1st Wanborough Scouts, said: “Luckily it hasn’t rained – the past two years we have had rain so we are very fortunate this year.

“We’ve had a really good turn out – I put out 8,000 leaflets around Swindon before the event, so people come from all over, including Marlborough and Wootton Bassett.

“I absolutely love organising it, it is great fun. The scouts get involved with their families to run the stalls and so do lots of local families and they are all helping us to raise money for the village hall.

Wanborough Scarecrow Trail had already been attracting people to the village since the scarecrows appeared on April 22.

More than 50 scarecrows have been erected outside people’s homes and businesses all with a science and discovery theme.

People have been flocking to the village and hundreds more visited yesterday for the May Day Fayre.

Tessa said: “We normally raise between £3,500 and £4,000 from the fayre and another £1,000 or £2,000 from the scarecrow trail and this year we are hoping to get enough money together for a replacement boiler and heating system in the hall which is much needed.

“The scarecrow trail has been brilliant this year, we have had 53 scarecrows.

“Everyone has made such a great effort, it is always a big thing for the village and we have been lucky to benefit from all the bank holidays over the past week.

“The village hall is an important resource for the village, so hopefully we will raise the money we need.”

May pole dancing was one of the highlights of the day for little Jessica Atkins, aged seven, from St Andrew’s Ridge.

She said: “I have done May pole dancing at school before so I wanted to try it again.

“I have never been to the fayre before and it has been really fun – I like the candy floss.”

The scarecrow trail will finish on May 8 and visitors are invited to guess the name of the scientist, inventor, astronomer or explorer portrayed.

First prize will be £100 in vouchers.

Entry is £2.50 and entry forms are available from Wanborough Post Office, The Harrow Inn, The Plough and Wanborough Primary School.

All instructions are provided on the entry forms.

For further information, visit www.wanborough.info.