BIGHTON AND
GUNDLETON
FETE 2013
It’s a testament to the spirit of the local
people that despite the heavy downpours,
Bighton and Gundleton Fete still went
ahead, and was indeed a huge success!
After months of planning, the weekend
started with glorious sunshine and a team of
helpers up at the field setting up. Whilst this
was going on, the army of Bighton bakers
were at work in their kitchens.
Saturday evening’s pre-fete party was a
great success. With over 50 orders for fish
and chips, and many more people just
popping up for a drink, the field was buzzing.
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny if only the fete had been held at 8am! The
early morning helpers were mercifully
oblivious to what was yet to come (weatherwise, of course).
Over many years now Roy and Christine
Hurn have been invaluable running their
Bonsai and pottery stall. As usual, the
White’s Elephant stall was exceptionally
busy. We know how early they and their
helpers were there setting it all up. The fete
was officially opened at 1.30pm by our own
Mayor Ernie Jeffs who looked splendid in his
official regalia.
New this year was the Scarecrow
Competition. We weren’t sure whether this
idea would take off, but we were amazed at
the number and standard of scarecrows
entered – people had put in a huge amount
of effort. The llamas are always a delight, the
Goldwings and the Helicopter raffle too are
part of our tradition. The Arnolds once again
kindly brought along their bees – people
really loved them. The raffle was, as ever, a
huge success. Lynn and her team of helpers
were in charge of books and DVDs. They did
an amazing job to create a tent over the stall
when the rain set in. At the coconut stall,
many people warmed up with a coconut
cocktail. The Tombola tables were groaning
with prizes, and the helpers were kept busy
throughout the afternoon.
We are consider ourselves very lucky that
once again David Phelps kindly donated a
helicopter ride as a raffle prize. Cakes and
Produce are always popular, as is the Bottle
stall, and the stallholders were busy all
afternoon. Also new this year was Bowl-aPig, which kept helpers fit running
backwards and forwards collecting balls.
Running Teas, the bar and the BBQ plus a
new stall, Slide-a-Pint, can be quite hard
work – this year particularly so when the rain
came down! We appreciate all the effort put
in to make them run smoothly.
Younger visitors to the fete always make a
beeline to Children’s World. Hook-a-Duck
was well received, back after a few years’
break. Although the rain held up some of the
fairground rides, we really appreciated their
presence.
The arena (when it stopped raining) was as
usual the focal point. The Dog Show
attracted a large number of entrants, giving
the judge some difficult decisions. The
Fancy Dress was of a very high standard,
and excellently judged by Sarah McCowen.
And of course we should thank the voice of
Bighton Fete, Jonathan Booth. The fete
ended with the Tug-of-War.
Our thanks must go to our visitors, the
Goldwings, the llamas, the police, the fire
brigade, the ice cream van, Tai Kwando and
School of Rock, and dog show judge
Christine Bridgwater.
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