STUDENTS pouring into Oxford for the new academic year will no doubt be spending time signing up to whatever extra-curricular activities they can.

But people in Kennington will be running a ‘Fresher’s Fair’ of their very own tomorrow.

In a mass bid to get their neighbours on board with community activities, more than 20 local groups will pitch stalls at Kennington Village Centre from 2pm to 4pm.

The drama group, horticultural society, Guides and strollers will vie for the attentions of potential new actors, gardeners, Rainbows and walkers. The fair, the first of its kind for many years, has been organised by members of Kennington Good Neighbours.

Good Neighbour and fair organiser Margaret Biggs said her group was drastically short of members, and when they got together to talk about a recruitment drive they realised all groups could benefit from a massive combined effort.

Mother-of-three Mrs Biggs who is also a member of the history group, am dram society and the Guides, said: “There is something for everybody in Kennington.

“Nobody in our village should be lonely or bored – within the church itself there are other groups, the youth club always needs volunteers. We wanted to encourage all people to realise what is on offer in the village – somewhere they can go and join others, have fun and maybe find an opportunity to volunteer.”

The grandmother-of-five from Grundy Crescent said the Good Neighbours and others were particularly in need of some “young blood”.

She said: “We need new members to come in – if some of these groups don’t get those younger people interested they could have to fold, which would be a terrible shame.”

Kennington Good Neighbours has invited all social and activity groups to join in, excluding businesses or private enterprises.

Entrance is free and refreshments will be provided free of charge. For more information call Alison Peedell on 01865 730961 or Dee Grant on 01865 739423.