If you’ve visited the Village Fair Bar over the years, you’ll probably notice something different this year.

For 2026, our bar has had a well-earned facelift!

After many years of loyal service, the old worktops had reached the end of the road. Rather than simply replacing them like-for-like, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to improve the layout too by widening the front of the bar to an impressive four metres. The extra serving space should help our hardworking volunteers serve you even more quickly on Fair Day.

Initially, we looked at buying replacement worktops, but then the Rowlands Castle community stepped in with an incredibly generous offer.

Giles Stanley of Rowlands Castle Builders kindly arranged for a brand-new custom-built bar top to be made from beautifully planed timber. Even better, the timber itself was supplied completely free of charge by Covers. One of Giles’s skilled carpenters then expertly crafted the wood into a solid, attractive worktop that’s built to withstand many Village Fairs to come.

It’s another wonderful example of local businesses supporting their local community. Their generosity has not only saved the Village Fair a considerable expense, but has also given us a bar that we’re incredibly proud of.

Our sincere thanks go to Covers for donating the timber and to Giles Stanley and Rowlands Castle Builders for donating the craftsmanship and making the whole project possible.

When you stop by the bar on Fair Day for a refreshing drink, take a moment to admire the new worktops. They’re a reminder that the Village Fair is made possible not only by volunteers, but also by the outstanding support of local businesses that generously give their time, skills and materials.

We hope our new bar will serve the village for many years to come.

Thank you, Covers and Rowlands Castle Builders!