Honiton’s annual Market Charter Day took place on a wet and overcast Saturday 20th July, and the small group of volunteers who put the event together would like to thank everyone who attended and made it the success it was.
From the stallholders who braved the weather, to the volunteers who helped set up, and the entertainers who performed in difficult weather conditions throughout the day.
Organisers would also like to thank the many shops and businesses who supported the day, from displaying posters, donating vouchers and prizes, putting up window displays, and hosting the history trail competition.
The opening ceremony brought a lot of interest to the event in the High Street and included representatives from
- the Honiton Branch of the Royal British Legion;
- Group Captain RAF Gordon Evans – President of SSAFA and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon;
- MP Richard Foord;
- Members of the local Air Cadets;
- Honiton Town Mayor, Tony McCollum;
- Town Crier, Dave Retter;
- Deputy Town Crier, Caroline Kolek, and
- members of the South West Airfields Heritage Trust – who arrived in a convoy of classic and military vehicles complete with Winston Churchill & Field Marshall Montgomery lookalikes, who caused quite a stir amongst onlookers.
The opening proclamation was made by the deputy town crier, and this was followed by a brief welcome from the mayor. Two buglers from Honiton Town Band then played Reveille to mark the start of events, and a variety of entertainments took place in and outside the church until the early afternoon.
Meanwhile, along Northcote Lane and in Allhallows field a wide variety of charity, entertainment & food stalls braved the weather to showcase the services they have to offer locally.
We must thank all the dancers, musicians and various groups that continued to maintain a busy field, with something going on throughout the day until the decision was made to finally give in to the weather and close slightly early at 2.00pm
Thanks must also go to the Honiton Lions for organising their usual classic cars display, and to The Baton charity for organising a speed march on the day.
Competition winners
Winners of the best dressed shop window has gone to Planet Sal – 1st place, and The French Hen – 2nd place. Judging was carried out by the mayor, the town crier and the deputy town crier.
History Trail competition winners were 1st Prize – Chris Hicks, 2nd Prize – Karen Hicks & 3rd Prize – Janice Spragg.
Charter Day
Honiton Market Charter Day marks the granting of the right to hold weekly markets in the town way back in 1257, and aims to be a fun community event which highlights local businesses and organisations.
It is not intended to be a fundraising event, but any money left over after expenses have been covered is donated to a different local charity each year. In 2024 our nominated charity is the Honiton Branch of the Royal British Legion and – due to a very generous donation of £500 from Dunkeswell-based company, Supacat – a cheque for £700 will be handed over to the RBL at their next branch meeting.