No sandwiches and tea at Quay Hall this Lammas Fair
FOR the first time in almost 50 years Ramoan Parish Church is thought not to be laying on sandwiches and tea to those flocking to the Lammas Fair.
Since the 1960's the church has used its Quay Road Hall in the centre of the town to offer a range of refreshments to the thousands of visitors who descend on Ballycastle each year for the two day event.
The sale is believed to be the church's biggest fundraiser annually, boosting its coffers to the tune of several thousand pounds.
But this year hungry fair-goers will have to look elsewhere for a bite as it is understood the church did not believe the hall was up to standard to cater for the needs of hundreds of visitors.
Moyle District Council's Environmental Health Department reportedly made recommendations to Ramoan Parish Church regarding this year's sale but was happy for it to proceed at the venue as planned.
However, the decision has been taken by the church not to run the event this time around, no doubt leading to widespread disappointment among those who traditionally visit the hall during the Fair.
A spokesperson for Moyle District Council said they understood food was not being offered at the hall during the Fair this year adding that this was not because of any action taken by the council.
The spokesperson declined to comment when asked what recommendations, if any, had been made by the council to Ramoan Parish Church regarding the event.
The Times was unable to contact a member of Ramoan Parish Church prior to going to print.
This year's Lammas Fair - the oldest traditional market fair in Ireland - takes place on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August.
At the present day Fair, horse trading, street entertainment and market stalls attract tens of thousands of people to Ballycastle.
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Weather for Ballymoney
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
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Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
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