Show to raise responder cash

Visitors to a country and craft fair near Lichfield next month will be helping to raise funds for a new First Responder vehicle.

"Zola", which has been running for more than 10 years and clocked up more than 116,000 miles, needs replacing.

And so the Whittington Craft and Country Fair will be raising money for a new vehicle for the Whittington First Responder Team. The 15-strong team has been in operation for more than a year now and has dealt with more than 250 calls in Whittington and the surrounding villages.

But Zola is on her last legs and a replacement is urgently needed.

The fair, now in its fourth year, is organised by Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council and will be staged in the village on September 1.

Since the fairs were launched more than £25,000 has been raised for the village, and more than 20 groups have benefited from a cash injection.

The show will run from 10am to 4.30pm on Bit End Field and admission ranges from £3 to £10 for a family. Free parking is provided.

Organisers have now revealed more than 80 stallholders have already signed up for the event.

And highlights include displays by the English School of Falconry, ferret racing, an appearance by heavy horses and a 19th century blacksmithing demonstration.

There will also be demonstrations by the South Staffordshire Dog training team and a display of classic cars.

Entertainment comes from the King Edward VI School jazz band, and there will be a small funfair and pony rides for the kids.

A tug of war and animal corner will also be at the show.

Councillor Frank Bartlett, chairman of Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council, said a cavalcade of vintage, veteran and classic cars will kick-start the day with a parade through the village from the Swan pub to Bit End Field.

"For many in the countryside this summer has been a pretty miserable affair - with the flooding affecting so many communities - some close to home," said councillor Bartlett.

"We are hoping that at least we can end it with something to smile about - a good day out for the whole family - that will put something back into the community."