1979 Village 'mud' Fete

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Report published in Hallmark by Ted Janes Hon. Fete organizer ---What a day - 12th September.

It all started on Monday 26th January 1970, and ended some twenty odd meetings and many, many man hours later on Saturday, 12th September - FETE DAY - the WETTEST Saturday of the year,

The Sports Club kindly allowed the use of the Sports field to be used for the event, squeezed in between the end of the cricket season and the start of the football season,

Some members of the organizing committee were apprehensive of the lateness of the year but others said "We often get a nice September" June was hot and sunny - so was July — AND August but ooh! - September 12th,

Not one cricket match rained off the whole summer - but – September 12th - what a day!!!

The organization was going well, some of the chaps had a day off for Friday's preparation, never have we been so advanced. Early on the Fete - morning the birds were thick on the grass - a bad sign - by eight o'clock the rain was "slinging it" down,

On to the ground came one of the cricketers to prophesy "When the rain comes from the east it's going to be a wet day," A telephone call to the met, office revealed the chance of "a bright evening" but no hope of the rain clouds clearing before 4 pm,

So into operation went "Red Emergency" plan, The produce stalls in the marquee were pushed closer together and inside came Darts, Hidden Treasure, Back-your-Fancy, Quoits, a miniature spinner was substituted for the large Aero Spinner, a Train Station Game replaced Hoop-la - everything was ensconced in the marquee - the best investment of the day - £25 - but what a blessing. The Treasurer's tent became the Hot-Dog Stall, the Cricket Pavilion housed the Teas - everything was under cover,

By 2,30 pm,, out of pity for the committee or maybe bored by the wet day the cars rolled up and people packed the marquee and spent and spent as never before in response to Miss Fagge's very professional "Opening" calling on everyone to spend 'next' week's pocket money. A jolly atmosphere and people appeared to be enjoying themselves. (click Beatrice 'Beat' Fagge for more about Miss Fagge)

Ironically by 5 pm. when volunteers began to clear the marquee and the earlier field preparations, a watery sun shone. By 6,30 pm, all was spick and span (a record clearing party), the Treasurer announced the takings to be in excess of £200 (approximate profit £125). What a truly magnificent performance - what a fantastic day - what a marvellous day was September 12th.

Well done every one, hearty congratulations to all concerned, and thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who braved the elements to support us so magnificently,

Comment printed in Hallmark, following the 1979 Annual Village Fete.

"Everybody was sorry to see the heavens open at 1.30pm on Fete Day, not only for spoiling the day and reducing the profit, (although didn't we do well!), but for turning the sports field into a quagmire. Tempers ran short, things were said that should not have been, and would not in normal circumstances. We should be failing as a village magazine not to comment on these facts, but as the sensible community we are, the Village Hall Committee and Sports Club Officials are to get round the table to talk out the difficulties, ready for the 1980 Fete.