1999 Village Fete

This report is mentioned in Social Snapshots 1969-2000 inc

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Lacey Green and Loosley Row Village Fete

Saturday 4th September, 1999. reporting Joan Smith

Wow, what a day! - the sun shone, too hot at times it must be said - the stalls, with all their goods, were set up, and the bunting and balloons made the scene look really festive.... many many thanks to Peter Trotter and everyone who helped set up the site. The Sports Club gave great support, and their help and assistance on the day was really appreciated. Wasn’t the new pavilion looking good?

The Fete was opened by Sir Nigel and Lady Mobbs, who went on to spend some considerable time looking around the stalls and watching events in the arena.

Kath Turner ably MC’d the event with her usual flair and enthusiasm - moving people’s attention on to each event. Once again the Village organisations came into their own, providing a whole range of things to do and buy - from a sticky badge to a garden rotivator - and as for Linda and Mike Lane, their collection of bric-a-brac kept on coming and selling. . The craft tent, organised by Carol Dockerill, once again demonstrated the extraordinary range of skills and interests of local people.

One corner of the Fete was presided over by Brenda McLeish and her band of merry people. This was devoted to the children’s games and activities, where Brenda worked tirelessly all afternoon. The bouncy castle, the ice creams and the barbecue were all nearby, meeting the needs of the children and adults alike. In the arena we started with the children’s fancy dress organised and sponsored by Jenny Stothard. The number of entries was a little disappointing but the creativity of the costumes was something else.

Next came the Sign and Sing Choir of the Young Deaf Activities Group. This group was set up by D1 Rainbow who lives in Speen. Di set up a club where deaf people could meet and socialise, and which enables them to take part in everyday activities and outings which the rest of us take for granted. To raise money and awareness this choir was formed. You may have seen them at Christmas time outside Asda in High Wycombe, or in the Town Centre. For most of those who came to Lacey Green it was their first ever experience of a Fete of any kind.

The tug of war teams, duly refreshed, gave an impressive display and were well supported by partisan onlookers - particularly during the women vs. men match - well done girls! The event was won by The Whip - a fact duly recorded on the board outside that pub. This was followed by an absolutely delightful display of dance by Dance Plus managed by Jan Cormach - their grace and beauty was a joy to see. The final event was the demonstration by the Chiltern Gun Dog Club, many of whom had travelled many miles to compete. They had been invited, encouraged and/or bullied to come along by Gill Gosling, who participated with her own dogs - many thanks to Gill, the dog handlers and, most particularly the dogs. This event made our Fete special.

Then it was time to go home. Much faster than it was set up, the stands, stalls, etc., were dismantled and packed away, including the craft tent that was supplied, erected and then dismantled by the Scouts - thank you very much. Later in the day it was a very tired Committee that went to the school to find that the Lacey Green Players had wrought their usual magic and transformed the hall into a Thai restaurant, complete with waiting staff with wonderful Thai food prepared by Rachel Panter which just kept coming and coming. The atmosphere was great - just like a big party. The raffle was drawn and the first prize was won by Ray Hewison.

After it was all over the Treasurer gathered in all the cash under armed guard and took it to a secret location for counting. The total takings at the Fete were £1477.94; having taken out all the expenses, and including the contribution from the Thai meal and bank interest, we have shown a profit of £965.65 to be passed to the Village Hall.

The Fete is an important occasion for the Villages - not just a matter of making money, but thanks go to all those who ran stalls, activities and ~ games, helping to raise this huge sum. A few lucky people had a prize from the Grand Draw to remember the day - perhaps the highlight was the lady from County Durham who won £10 off her next MOT test - in High Wycombe! Selling draw tickets can be a thankless task so thanks to all who did, especially Sue and Joan Kelloway who sold them on the day.

We promise you a short break before we start badgering you about Village Day 2000.