AN unforgettable day is all set to take place in one of West Devon's most prominent stannary towns. Saturday, May 16 will see Chagford play host to a Tinners' Fair, organised by the parish church, where there will be fun for the whole family. The Tinners' Fair theme derives from Chagford being a centre for tin mining from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. The fair will start at 11am and run until 4pm with an action packed day full of entertainment. Children from Chagford Primary School will kick off proceedings when their band performs outside the parish church. This will be followed by morris dancing, a mummers play, organ recitals and performances from the church choir. There will be a series of exhibitions, including the Chagford Local History Society and the Dartmoor Tinworkers' Group, running alongside a vast selection of stalls. Refreshments will be available in the form of a hog roast, homemade pasties and cream teas. To symbolise Chagford's connection with tin mining there will be a 'tin trail' in and around the town with medieval figures made from tin cans and other different materials. Artist Brian Froude will judge the figures and a prize will be given to the best one. Dr Colin Barnes, chairman of the organising committee, said: 'Tell your friends and family this is the weekend to come to Chagford. 'It promises to be a day you won't forget in a hurry. There will be so much to see and do with plenty for the children too.' The town will be decorated with 60 coloured banners decorated with the Tinners' Rabbits — this is the first year the banners will be used and they have been designed by retired art teacher Sylvia Croxen and sewn by a team of Chagford seamstresses. All proceeds for the fair will go to Chagford church funds and particularly to the organ fund as it is in urgent need of expensive repairs.
