With grit and a mystery donor fete shall go ahead
The Park Wood Community Fete was blessed with fine sunshine and large crowds.
Annie Palmer, one of the organisers, estimated almost 1,000 people turned out for the day of fun at the Heather House field, on Saturday.
Families were able to enjoy a host of activities, including face painting, bouncy castles, children’s rides and archery for free. Mr Palmer said: “We have a team of eight who work tirelessly throughout the year raising funds, so that the activities on the day can be free.
“The idea is to give everyone a happy time and so make our community a happier place.”
It is the sixth year the fete has taken place.
This time there was a hula-hoop dancing session, a junior Park Run fitness workout and a visit from the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Marion Ring.
This year the organisers suffered a blow in the run-up to the event when a thief broke into the Fusion Healthy Living Centre and stole £100 collected for the fete.
Mrs Palmer said: “It was devastating and even worse when the person arrested turned out to be a local man. I’m 46, but most of the fundraisers are in their 70s, and they stand out in all weathers throughout the year to raise money for this day. It was a real slap in the face.”
But her faith in human nature was restored when a Good Samaritan stepped in with a gift to make up the shortfall.
She also praised Kent county cllr Gary Cooke (Con) for using his member’s budget to support the cost of both the face painting and the portable toilets needed this year because Heather House community hall is closed for repairs.