June 8, 2001 10:41: May I express my thanks to all those who visited Hall Place this Bank Holiday Monday for the first Hall Place Fair.

The event was organised when the unexpected cancellation of the established Arts Fair, with just six weeks to go, raised the possibility there would be no event at Hall Place for the first time.

Many people gave their time and effort for free to ensure there was an event on the day and I would like to publicly thank them.

The event attracted more visitors than any previous event held at Hall Place, greatly exceeding expectations.

Stalls were complemented by demonstrations from archery and fletching, jugglers and Terrible Tudors tasting sessions including such delights as a 500-year-old sauce designed to disguise the taste of rotten fish and 16th-century gingerbread, plus a whole day of arena activities including hunting dog displays, medieval dancing and medieval swordplay.

All money raised will go towards the development of Hall Place for the benefit of the public, particularly families, children and older visitors, by funding increased educational activity, restoration, interpretation and access and improvements to what is on offer for free during the rest of the year.

With a year to plan next year's event, it promises to be even bigger and better.

Martin Purslow

Director Bexley Heritage Trust