Ill-fated fete rescued as villagers unite
They say the show must go on and that’s just what villagers did in Boughton Monchelsea.
The community’s annual summer fete risked being cancelled when all the equipment went up in flames just a week before the event was due to take place. The fire started in a cricket hut at the Church Street recreation field and marquees, wooden posts, signs, games and other items were ruined in the blaze. However, in true community spirit, residents banded together to get everything prepared.
The fair saw visitors try their hand at welly wanging, laser clay pigeon shooting and some had a go at throwing a wet sponge at parish councillor Steve Munford who was stuck in the stocks. There was also a dog show which saw 16-month-old doberman Milo win first prize in the Best Biscuit Catcher category and three-month-old French bulldog Hera crowned the top female dog.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and enquiries are ongoing.
Chairman of the Boughton Monchelsea village fete committee, Jen Cleaver, said: “It was really hot, really good and really popular.
“The equipment was destroyed about a week and a half before but within 24 hours people had already offered their help. “Fernham Homes bought us a new marquee, Quest Homes donated money for us to buy two more and two local farmers dipped into their own wallets to help us as well.
“It would not have happened without them all.
“We were blown away by all of the support.” The day raised money for a variety of community charities but the total is still be counted.