Old-fashioned charm and fun proved a winning combination at the recent Aldersgate Village Family Fun Fair.

Around 2000 people attended the fair at Uniting AgeWell Newnham Community Aldersgate on Saturday 12 April, and thoroughly enjoyed the enchanting array of yesteryear activities and stalls.

This is the second fair at the Launceston site with its stunning backdrop of red and gold autumn trees and a view of the beautiful Tamar Valley. Residential Services Manager Audette Groenewold Audette explains: “The inaugural fair was held last year after residents said they wanted to experience the traditional fairs they remembered enjoying as youngsters. So, we thought we’d bring the fair and the community to them. They loved it so much they wanted it to become an annual event and seeing the joy of residents and the broader community here today makes it well worth doing it all again next year too!”

Four-legged friends were among the stars of the day. Children loved the pony rides, while residents, including Heather, were among those delighting in clip-clopping around the site in a traditional horse-drawn pony trap.

Meanwhile the dog jumping show proved a howling success with the crowds cheering as the hounds high-tailed it over impressively high bars.

Residents, families and friends loved the charm of time-worn fair games: Pluck a Duck, throwing a ball into the clown’s mouth and trying to bowl out a monster’s teeth. There were a number of stalls, including one selling dolls in beautiful hand-made dresses.

A new attraction was the Crazy Costume Competition for children between the ages of six and 12, and for those five years and younger. Children took to the stage in costumes varying from monsters to tutus with even a little Spider Girl taking time off from saving the world from crime, to compete.

One of the judges, Norma, asked one little contestant how old she was. “I’m six – how old are you?” the youngster replied. “I’m 98” said Norma, to cheers from the crowd.

Edie, 6, was one of the two winners with her tutu and a thoroughly festive birthday cake hat complete with woollen candles. Heather, who was one of the four residents who were judges, says they were hard-pressed to choose the winners. “They were all so gorgeous, with such creative outfits!”

Singers Murray Higgs and Glenn Nichols kept the crowd tapping their toes in time to their medley of old favourites. Aldersgate Village student nurse Ximing and Food Services Assistant Yafei donned their traditional Chinese outfits and played the guitar and the harp.

The Fair was a great opportunity for the Home Care team to meet prospective customers and explain the value of Home Care services. Program Manager, Home Care Programs Tasmania Ann Bingham said it was a great opportunity to participate in a community event. “We had a number of enquiries with some requesting follow up calls which was great.”

Audette paid tribute to the teamwork that made it all happen and also to the 40 volunteers who helped out. “We’re indebted to their kindness and willingness to roll up their sleeves for the cause,” she says. “We appreciate them all so much!”

The volunteers also served coffee, fairy floss, ran the sausage sizzle and sold doughnuts, with volunteer Debby Saunders upping the ante with her plastic doughnut hair clips. A food truck served hamburgers and chips, so visitors were spoiled for choice!

A stall was run by Uniting AgeWell home care staff with Home Care Program Manager Ann Bingham on hand to welcome enquiries from lots of people keen to ask for more information about services enabling older people to live safely and well in their own homes.

“It was busy around our stall, especially due to the free ‘guess the chocolates’ activity,” says Ann. “I do know I talked myself hoarse!”

Lifestyle Coordinator Eleanor Clinton says the buzz and the excitement was tangible, with everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves.

“Residents are still talking about it,” she says. “It brings them joy – and that’s what it’s all about.”