A CALL to get the Studley Mop Fair re-started was put before parish councillors at their last meeting.
It came from James Dobson of the Showmen’s Guild, who told councillors that as well as being a colourful and vibrant source of entertainment a mop would also give a boost to local traders.
It’s some five or six years since the Studley Mop was last held on the recreational ground in the village, since when the space available for it has steadily shrunk.
Suggestions for a new location from councillors ranged from the High Street to Marble Alley, the field by Studley Sports and Social Club or possibly Pool Road car park.
However agreement would have to be reached with the relevant authorities if one of those options was chosen.
Mop fairs are traditionally held in late September/October and date back to the days of King Edward III said Mr Dobson.
Held at the end of the farming season, they became hiring fairs where workers showed off their various trades while someone with no particular skill or trade would hold a mop instead.
After the First World War they gradually changed into the funfairs that are held today across the region, from Alvechurch to Alcester and Stratford.
Parish chair Coun Sue Redman told Mr Dobson: “Come up with a time, date and length, something concrete we can make a decision on as I feel a lot of people would welcome back something like the Mop Fair.”
