11 Sep 08

Christmas comes early to Tidworth this year as Aspire Defence sponsors the Army Benevolent Fund’s Early, Early Christmas Fair at Tedworth House. The annual fair will be open for business from 9.30am on Wednesday 24 September 2008 when Lady Pippa Dannatt, wife of the Chief of the General Staff, Sir Richard Dannatt, launches this year’s event.

Aspire Defence, a joint venture between KBR and Carillion, has been sponsoring the ABF’s Early, Early Christmas Fair for the last four years and is pleased to support the cost of supplying an additional marquee this year – the Aspire Defence Marquee – at the back of the house which will give even more space for Christmas shopping.

Peter Smart, Chief Executive of Aspire Defence Ltd said, “We are very proud of our association with the Army Benevolent Fund and the support which we give to the Early, Early Christmas Fair. In particular, we are delighted to have been able to supply the new marquee which has allowed the fair to restyle itself this year”.

L-R: Stuart McLean,sport, leisure and community manager for Aspire Defence Services Limited; Peter Smart, chief executive for Aspire Defence Ltd; Major General Murray Wildman, chairman Wiltshire ABF committee.; Colonel Tony Moorby, regional director for ABF fundraising

Collecting the sponsorship money from Peter Smart, Colonel Tony Moorby, the organiser of the Early, Early Christmas Fair, said: “We are delighted that Aspire Defence continues to be our main sponsor this year and in particular has supported our new Aspire Defence Marquee. We are thrilled that it supports the ABF as one of its chosen charities. We look forward to continuing to work with Aspire Defence as it develops its plans for our local garrisons around Salisbury Plain both now and in the future.”

Over one thousand people are expected to flock to the fair at Tedworth House in Tidworth garrison, which will be even bigger this year with two major marquees selling gifts for the forthcoming festive season. There will be over 80 stalls – including 45 new ones – selling a huge variety of presents, clothes, food and other items. A restaurant area will be located in Tedworth House to serve light refreshments.

The entry fee is £4 and is open from 9.30am until 4.00pm. The fair is open to all and at the end of the day stall holders donate a percentage of their takings to the charity.