Last updated 08:46, Friday, 04 July 2008

The opening of Cockermouth's Georgian Fair

THE man who has helped to establish the Georgian Fair as a major feature in the Cockermouth calendar is to step down next week.

Chris George was chairman and co-ordinator of the last two Cockermouth Georgian fairs.

Mr George, 55, of Caldecote Avenue, Cockermouth, has been involved with running the fairs since 2005 and feels that someone new should step up to take over.

Mr George said yesterday: “It is time for someone new to bring fresh ideas and energy to the next Georgian Fair.

“We already have a good template and now we are looking for someone else to take the event forward."

Mr George also mentioned that a lot more work was needed to keep the fairs running in the future.

He said: “Putting on a big town event like this takes a surprising amount of time and energy.

“We really need more people to come forward and join the team that will take on the task of putting on the event in two years’ time.

“I was delighted with this year’s event and the weather was fantastic.

“We just need to develop it now and we always need new volunteers to take on all aspects of the organising.”

The next fair will take place on May 1 2010 and Mr George feels it will be a great opportunity to make it the best ever.

He said: “As the next fair is actually on May Day we are hoping it can be the biggest and best yet.

“We are hoping to have plenty of schools attending and also maypole dancing and other similar events.”

A new chairman and co-ordinator will be announced at the annual meeting of the Cockermouth Georgian Fair Organising Group on Thursday, July 10, at the Victoria Hall, Cockermouth.

The meeting will start at 7.30pm and anyone wishing to join to the organising team is welcome to attend.

Mr George is also the north west regional chairman of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, treasurer of Cockermouth Partnership and employed by the Capital Aluminium Extrusions of Cleator Moor.