Valerie attends Walking the Fair event in Walsall

I was delighted to keep a Walsall tradition alive and take part in the ceremony of Walking the Fair, an annual event which dates back as far as 1662. This is a tradition where local stall holders give a donation to the Mayor Councillor Kath Phillips JP for those in need as the Mayor does the walk. The photo shows l-r the Mayors Consort Maurice, to my left the Mayor and on the far right of the photo Cllr Eileen Russell, Councillor for St Matthews.

Each year as the Mayor, guests and townsfolk walk the symbolic route through the town centre and Walsall Market it is in recognition of the vital role that markets play in establishing enterprise in the town. The event is led by the Civic Society and is supported by the Mayor and the church of The Crossing at St. Paul’s.

Guests gathered at The Crossing at St. Paul’s, then the Town Crier called guests to order and read an extract from the Market Charter. The Mayor then lead the procession with the Bayard Colts. Walking the Fair was also a great opportunity to meet with local residents and celebrate this significant day in Walsall history.

After the walk, I visited The Crossing at St Pauls where there was an Exhibition on the life of Anne Frank which reminded us about the horrors of the Holocaust. We should work together for a tolerant and fair country.