Traditional ride restored for fete

From 1pm on Monday August 29, visitors will be able to enjoy the restored swing boats along with other traditional games, races and stalls for all the family.

Two hundred years ago, swing boats were so common and so popular at travelling fairs or village fetes that once they were up and running the shout would go out ‘the fair is in full swing’.

Wisborough Green’s annual village fete is no exception; our current set of swing boats first swung into action more than a quarter of a century ago and were in need of a little repairing and refreshing.

So earlier this year the boats set off for a face-lift at the hands of funfair rides restorer Michael Rule whose traditional painting skills have restored them to their former glory.

Michael and his family have been operating traditional funfair attractions for many years and restoration work is just part of what the family offers.

None of this would have been possible without the generous financial support of many people including Chichester District Council which granted more than £500 to the restoration work.

So as you ‘swing high, swing low sweet chariot’ today, enjoy the new-look boats and raise a glass to Michael and those who paid for the restoration safe in the knowledge that every ride you take is bringing in a little more money to this year’s good causes.

Other attractions include a fun dog show, a horticultural show tent, food and drink stalls, a tea tent, prize draws and raffles, shopping, face painting, egg throwing and vintage vehicles.