From the Yateley Society Newsletter No.70: OCTOBER 1998

IDEAS FOR THE 1999 MAY FAYRE EXHIBITION

Yes, we are starting work on the next May Fayre already! Will we avoid the usual last-minute rush to get the exhibition ready? - probably not, but it should be less panic-stricken than usual!

The chosen theme is: 'Yateley Myths & Truths', and the following lengthy and impressive list of topics has been drawn up by Peter Tipton.

• Parson Darby hanged at Darby Green
• Monteagle House and the Gunpowder Plot
• Charlie Peace and the White Lion
• Murder at Moulsham Spray Bridge
• Maharajah kidnaps Society Girl at Poets Comer
• Brandy Bottom and the Smugglers
• The Secret Tunnels of Yateley
• Yateley's Firework Factory
• The African King and Yateley Hall
• Sand Lizards on Yateley Common
• Stone Curlew at Blackbushe
• Yateley and Gatwick Airport
• Beaker people and the Urnfield.

The general idea is to pose a question on each of these topics. Then the popular beliefs on each topic will be stated, followed by an answer of 'TRUE' or 'FALSE'. There will then be a discussion of why each conclusion has been reached.

Now comes the important part. Each topic will need careful research in order to come up with a convincing TRUE or FALSE decision. Help is needed to research the topics, if you know something about one of them, or think one of them would be fascinating to delve into — please contact Peter Tipton now!

If, having looked at the above list, you think 'why isn't ......... included?', please contact Peter and suggest your extra topic. (We know, you will be worried about being asked to do the research yourself — but this does not have to be the case, the chances are that someone else already knows enough to sort it out! so, please do not be shy!)

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A few months after this was written the Society's Executive Committee decided not to attend the 1999 May Fayre in order to hold an 'Open Day at Yateley Industries, and to arrange a large exhibition and a talk at the 25th anniversary of Yateley Library. The Fact & Fiction project grew in importance.

The Society's last stand at May Fayre

The Fact & Fiction project explained

The Open Day Leaflet expands the project