10th anniversary Wool Fair proves a big hit

Visitors ‘flocked’ in their hundreds to the annual Shipston Wool Fair at the end of May.

The event was officially opened by Lady Howe, Chair, Veronica Murphy, and Shipston Town Mayor, Ian Cooper. There was also a large turnout of invited Civic Dignitaries from throughout Warwickshire.

New for this year was a ten hour knitathon which started at 5:45am! Over 70 squares were knitted during the day, before being sewn together into two shawls for Hamlin Fistula UK, the only UK charity exclusively supporting the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

Not content with just knitting shawls, Shipston’s knitting and crocheting army set about covering the town in colourful yarn throughout the woolly weekend. From licorice allsorts on bollards to woolly bunting and crocheted bikes, there were delightful creations around every corner in the centre of town and beyond.

But the stars of the Wool Fair were, of course, the sheep. Rare breeds delighted visitors of all ages, while live shearing drew the crowds as woolly sheep were trimmed for the summer.

Adding to the attractions were a variety of stalls selling goods and food, while others were raising funds through competitions and raffles.

The Wool Fair was the culmination of a series of woolly celebrations, which had started with the first Wool Fair Farm Day in early May. This was followed by the Totally Locally Arts and Crafts Market on 26th May and the Rotary Community Songs of Praise on the 27th. All in all - it was a busy schedule for Shipston in May.

Mayor, Ian Cooper, said: “It was an honour to open the Wool Fair in its 10th Anniversary Year. A considerable amount of work goes into planning and running this event and it was wonderful to see everyone’s efforts pay off. Thanks to everyone involved - and to those who supported the Wool Fair events.”