A good place to Join in

Fairford Festival is held each year in June with lots going on over several days.

https://www.facebook.com/FairfordFestival/

http://www.fairfordfestival.org.uk/

Meet Andrew Stopka, your new Town Crier.
Oyez Oyez Oyez!

I’m Andrew Stopka and I’m delighted to be Fairford’s new Town Crier! I live in Bettertons Close with my partner Gillian. We have four, grown up children who have all flown the family nest. I first came to Fairford in 1990 during my time serving as an engineer in the Royal Air Force and spent thirteen of my twenty five years’ service at RAF Brize Norton. I love the town and the local area – enjoying Cotswolds walks with Gill and my dog, Archie that often take in a local pub and end with a hearty meal. I’ve made many friends here over the years and, although I’m originally from Staffordshire, have a strong sense of ‘home’ whenever I drive past the ‘A Good Place Be’ signs. My friends and I are regular ‘pub quizzers’ at the Eight Bells and my son has played several gigs at The Marlborough Arms and Fairfest. I played rugby for Fairford RFC as a younger man and recently agreed to tour with the Vets’ Team to Belgium – never again. . . . . . .I’ll stick to shouting my support from the touch line from now on. I love singing but often get railed with comments along the lines of “sing, don’t shout!” because I have a tendency to be over-enthusiastic and make a lot of noise. I think this, coupled with my enthusiasm for heritage and my love of tradition, pomp and ceremony, make me the ideal candidate to succeed in the footsteps of the excellent Rob Blake and the legendary Maurice Jones.

I hope to see you all at our wonderful Town’s upcoming events soon.

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire each year in July. Website: www.airtattoo.com

Website: www.lechladetrout.co.uk

The Cotswold Water Park is an area of 140 lakes, set in 40 square miles of countryside. From country parks, angling lakes, saling clubs, picturesque villages to campsites, hotels, country inns and much more there is plenty for everyone to explore! Website: www.waterpark.org

A great day out in the Cotswolds must include a visit to Birdland, a most enjoyable and educational experience for all the family. Amongst seven acres of woodland, gardens ponds and rivers see some of the worlds most exotic and rare birds. The River Windrush itself runs through the Park forming a natural habitat for Flamingos, Pelicans and Storks as well as an abundance of waterfowl. The colony of Penguins is an experience, especially at feeding time, for visitors of all ages. Website: www.completely-cotswold.com

The Trout Farm is Open Daily March – October 9am – 6pm Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm Sun Fishery open weekends March – October and local school holidays – Please telephone to check before visiting. Nov – Feb 10am – 4pm (closed Christmas Day) Groups, school and coach parties welcome. Children’s Birthday Parties – ask for details. Website: www.biburytroutfarm.co.uk

Housing over 80 to 100 individual Birds of Prey at any time – the Cotswold Falconry Centre aims to be one of the friendliest and most informative Raptor Centres in the country. Website: www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk

Cotswold Wildlife Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970. The Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world and aspires to show animals to people – so that they can come to understand and respect all forms of wildlife; to understand what is special about each species, and how the various species have evolved over very long periods of time, adjusting to survive in habitats from many parts of the earth. Website: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Visit Kelmscott Manor, the Inspirational Cotswold's Retreat of William Morris Explore the historic manor loved by William Morris, Father of the Arts & Crafts Movement. Take a stroll around the Manor’s enchanting gardens, barns, dovecote, stream and meadow. Enjoy refreshments in our tearoom or purchase a gift from our shop.

Open April - October Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.30am-5.30pm For more information visit:

WWW.KELMSCOTTMANOR.ORG.UK