 Smoke break for the paella man
EIGHT o’clock on a fine autumn morning saw members of the Kirkby
Stephen Town Forum, plus friends and family who had been roped in to
help, setting up stalls, putting up signs and organising tables for Charter Fair, a culmination of several months' hard work and the
start of a wonderful, memorable day.
Would-be visitors to our town and those unable to attend might be interested to learn of some of the highlights of the day.
Our original market charter dates back to 1353 and traditionally the proclamation is read with one foot on the Charter
 Marjorie Bridgeway's stall
The opening parade
So the official day began with Kirkby Stephen Silver Band leading a small parade to the Charter Stone for the proclamation read this year by Charles Hurst, chairman of the Town Forum.
The Market Square was full with the Continental Market which this time featured a lot of different foods to experience from many Countries including Spain, France, Germany and Poland. Alongside this market was a delicious coffee barrow and some local produce.
In the Cloisters we had some local charity stalls, Voluntary Action Cumbria, RSPCA, the Skatepark project and the Eastside
 Sunbiggin Crafts stall
On to our beautiful Parish Church, the historical centrepiece for various history displays with the help of the Kirkby Stephen History Society, Sedbergh History Society, Kirkby Stephen Guides and Mrs Treece’s unique collection.
In an attempt to use the wider area of the town centre, market stalls were arranged outside the Masonic Hall and inside there was a beautiful array of crafts from teddy bears to jewellery and soap, too many to mention here. Stainmore Railway Company and the Northern Viaduct Trust completed the room with their displays.
Intrepid Scouts
 A welcome brew
A
group of local crafts people including Kirkby Crafters and Eden Artisans occupied the room above the Tourist Information Centre where you were able to see items being made including felt by Jan Hicks.
During the day we were privileged to enjoy entertainment by local people around the town, Kirkby Stephen Grammar School year 9s gave us Dr. Marvellous and his uncongenial cures, Jane Close Dancers with their amusing slant on a Morris dance  The Turks Head produce stall
Everyone seemed to enjoy the day and we have had some lovely comments and praise from locals and visitors alike.
Charter Fair Posters
Last but not least, we must mention the Kirkby Stephen Grammar School year 8 pupils who designed some wonderful posters for the occasion.
The winners were:
Class 8X
1st Daniel King
2nd Angelica English
3rd Paul Simpson
Class 8Y
1st Daniel King
2nd James Renwick Smith
3rd Paul Simpson
Overall Winners
1st Emma Davis
2nd Daniel King
Coming back!
We are pleased to announce that Amber Markets, the Continental Market people have agreed to come back next year and we are hoping to make this an annual event.
If you would like to take part in any of the activities next year, please contact the Town Forum through the Council and Community Office.
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