by Rebecca Hannant
Storey’s Funfair is dedicating an hour of its takings to support community clean-up group TownSMART.
On Friday, August 29, from 6pm to 7pm, all proceeds from rides, games, food and drink at the fair on Withernsea’s prom will be donated to the volunteer-led operation.
Since November 2024, TownSMART volunteers have been seen across Withernsea and surrounding villages litter-picking, cleaning road signs, painting railings, cutting weeds and more. The group have worked at Withernsea Hospital, cleaned signs in Patrington, Keyingham and Roos, carried out regular litter picks and de-weeded the promenade and other spaces around Withernsea.
They have been praised for their efforts in improving public spaces across the region, donating hundreds of hours of their time.
TownSMART founder Cllr Jon Dimberline said: “Storey’s Funfair has kindly offered to support our operation by giving us an hour’s takings as donations. That money will go straight towards our community efforts – whether it’s equipment, materials or anything else we need.
“The fair does amazing things for Withernsea. It pulls a lot of people in every year, and they’ve helped the town in other ways too – from providing the new Withernsea sign on the beacon to donating takings to different causes. They’re travelling showmen, but they give back wherever they go. If they didn’t come next year, there would be a lot of sad faces and the town would miss out.
“It doesn’t matter if we get £50 or £5,000 – it’s the thought and the support that really count.”
Terry Storey, owner of Storey’s Funfair, said: “We like to give back because we visit Withernsea every Easter and during the summer holidays, and people here always make us feel welcome. Local businesses also tell us they do better when we’re here. We’re not local – we come here to earn a living – but we want to put something back too.
“Our previous fundraisers have been hit-and-miss, but the St Nicholas clock appeal had a great response. TownSMART have produced an excellent poster for this event and it’s already had a lot of shares on social media, so we’re hopeful it will be well supported.”
TownSMART fundraiser Lorraine Courtney added: “It’s a brilliant idea – and it gives everyone an excuse to go on the rides. For those who don’t, there’s hook-a-duck, food and sweet stalls. Everyone seems to support TownSMART, so we’re hoping for a great turnout. The fair does a marvellous job – without them, we’d have far fewer visitors in town.”
Funds raised at the event will go towards new equipment for TownSMART, including tools, hi-vis vests and litter pickers.
TownSMART will also host a meeting in the Meridian Centre on Wednesday, September 17, from 6.30pm, where people can find out more about the group and its new community patrol project.