Wedding fayre success means another is to be held in the autumn

THE first wedding fayre to be held in Minehead for several years proved to be a resounding success for all those who took part in the event on Sunday, February 25.
So successful was the free one-day event, that plans have been put in hand to repeat the occasion during October.
The fayre was organised by The Crier, in association with bridal shop Treasured Moments, of Friday Street, Minehead, and Minehead Football Club, which hosted the event.
Around 70 visitors took advantage of the free one-day event, which featured exhibitors displaying a whole range of items which West Somerset brides and grooms might require for their special day.
There was a chauffeur-driven limousine, hand-made cards, bridal favours, flowers and decorations, cakes, music, and a selection of food and drink for the wedding breakfast.
The day even included a fashion show to display bridal gowns, dresses for bridesmaids, and outfits for the groom and page boys.
The Crier’s marketing and promotions consultant, Dudley Seale, said: “It was a great success with a really good atmosphere which made the whole place buzz.
“Although it was only a small, local show because of the geography of West Somerset, it had all the contents required for a wedding.
“The general feeling was that not only did all of the exhibitors meet potential customers during the day, but they were also able to network among themselves as well.
“I was asked straight away if we would do another one, so we are now looking forward to holding the next wedding fayre in October.
“It is good that Minehead has its own wedding fayre again, as there used to be a regular one up until a few years ago.
“When Treasured Moments approached The Crier with an inquiry about starting up another wedding fayre, it was something we were pleased to do as we like to support the community we serve and work closely with them.
“Minehead Football Club, through chairman Bryan Leaker, worked really hard to ensure the venue looked 100 per cent right for the occasion, for which we are extremely grateful.”
One exhibitor to confirm a booking, for a wedding to take place in a month’s time, was Nichola Sutcliffe, from Taste of Exmoor, who said: “The wedding fayre was a good idea, and it was well organised and very friendly.”
Co-organiser Helen Hazel, of Treasured Moments, said: “We were delighted with how successful the wedding fayre was for a first-time effort for Minehead and we are looking forward to repeating the event in the autumn and making it even bigger and better.”
Exhibitor Porche Marchant, from Finishing Touches, said: “For a first-time show, it has been worthwhile and I am looking forward to being part of the next one.”
Another exhibitor was Tracy-Anne Fraser, of The Frock Exchange, who said: “I am delighted with the way the day has gone.”

Wedding fayre images by Mark the Photographer, ref (top) M010092, and (middle) M010031, and (bottom) M010114. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Limo driver Beresford looking for karting sponsors

WEST Somerset’s answer to Jensen Button is appealing to the local business community to help him in his race to reach the podium and fulfil his true potential.
Limousine chauffeur Beresford Mandley, who lives and was brought up in Minehead, is looking for sponsors to fund his next step in motor sport after becoming the 2006 National Karting Association champion.
The 29-year-old, who runs Limo Express in the town, is now ready to get behind the wheel of a more powerful kart for his next challenge, and wants to work his way up through the karting series.
Beresford said: “I have always been interested in motor sports from a young age and like to try out anything with an engine.
“Until last year, it was just a hobby. I went to a karting event in Avonmouth and ended up setting the fastest lap time.
“Then, I went to the Newport regional finals and took part in the grand prix and won there and became regional champion.
“The national championship was in Warrington and I raced against 54 karters from all over the country.
“We had five qualifying heats and I ended up in pole position in the final and left the others standing by winning by six or seven seconds.”
His prize for winning 2006 NKA Championship was a pro-train course with an expert instructor to further improve his racing skills and secure a motor sport association licence, which he is hoping to achieve on January 17 when he travels to Wilton Mill Circuit, in Northants.
“Gaining an MSA licence will enable me to get into the next stage of karting where I will be racing at speeds of 100 to 110 mph,” said Beresford.
“It is much more difficult but I am confident I can do well.”
To progress to the next level, Beresford, who also runs a yellow cab business in Minehead, is looking for £4,000-a-year towards his equipment and race suit and he is hoping the prestige of having sponsors’ names across his kart and suit will prove alluring to local businesses.
Beresford said: “I want this to be as much about the local community and I have already received some interest in sponsorship but would like more interest from local businesses and help give them more coverage.”
He already receives great support from his family with his car-building father as his pit crew and his mother helping to run his companies when he is busy on the track.
Beresford is also no stranger to publicity, after being awarded runner-up Chauffeur of the Year 2005 and voted a top 10 Chauffeur in Europe in 2006 and being featured in national motor magazines, including as the face behind the Peugeot E7, the model of yellow cab he drives.
Beresford is also allowing people who fancy trying their luck on the karting circuit to race against him in a ‘chauffeur challenge’ with an opportunity to receive a bottle of bubbly and a trophy he is beaten.
However, he assured cab and limo customers that race practise was purely on the circuits, and not while he was working.
“I will be sticking to the speed limits and doing my racing on the track rather than the streets in Minehead,” he said.
For more details, visit Beresford’s website http://www.limoexpress-uk.com/ or telephone him on 0786 3241507.

• Our photograph shows Beresford Mandley in kart racing gear with his limousine. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010019. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.