More than 70 local charities, voluntary and community groups lined Fareham’s West Street in bright sunshine for One Community’s biggest ever Community Showcase on Saturday 17 July, 10am-4pm.
The Showcase provides the opportunity for groups to demonstrate to the public just what they’re made of – the activities they run, the support they provide, the volunteers they need, the members they welcome.
Musical, theatrical and dance entertainment were provided all day at the Podium by local arts groups. A Transformer, a Star Wars Stormtrooper, Micky and Minnie Mouse, and One Community’s own Mollie the elephant strolled around engaging with the crowds, and there was plenty to try, taste and buy.
The Showcase has been run successfully at Ferneham Hall for several years. In 2020, sadly, there was no Showcase because of the pandemic. Stallholders have declared this, the first outdoor version of the event, the best yet, attracting plenty of passing trade in a packed town centre.
Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Pamela Bryant accompanied by her daughter, the Mayoress, Councillor Louise Clubley and One Community CEO Jean Roberts-Jones, visited every stand over a period of three hours. The Mayor told the Portsmouth News:
“I can’t speak highly enough of One Community for putting this together and bringing all these organisations together.”
She added:
“I think this is something we’ve seen come out of the pandemic – there’s more community spirit and a lot more people wishing to volunteer.”
Mayor of Fareham, Pamela Bryant,
July 17th 2021.
