Flippin’ good time at fun-filled day

BIRDS of prey soared and swooped amid a troupe of Japanese drummers, classic cars glinted in the sun, while flowers, cakes and crafts festooned stalls at the Ash Fun Day last Saturday.

Held at the Ash Centre and on the recreation ground, the annual event was blessed with fine weather for the first time in several years and attracted hundreds of visitors.

Opening at 1pm, this year’s fun day featured children’s races, which were organised by community wardens Jo Packman and Lesley Telford, as well as parish councillor Pat Scott, with Paul Spooner, also of the parish council, presented medals to the winners.

“It went off very well indeed,” said Cllr Scott. “We had a beautiful day and it was a great, great atmosphere.

“It was very busy right through to the finish.”

Although slightly less physical than the children's races, no less competitive were the series of competitions in fields ranging from flower arranging, vegetables, craft and baking.

Councillor Bill Cole and his wife Jenny had the task of judging the various categories, which in the case of the baking competition involved nobly working through four sub-verities of morsel, including best quiche, cheese scone, Victoria sponge and chocolate brownie.

A long queue formed to sample the pancakes cooked by the vicar of St Mary’s Church in Ash Vale, the Rev Neil Lambert, and borough councillor Nick Sutcliffe enjoyed substantial interest at his strawberry and cream stall.

PICTURES: GARETH DAVIES AN143931_15 The Rev Neil Lambert, of St Mary’s Church, on the pancake stall.

AN143931_10 Hook-a-duck winner Alfie Varndell.

AN143931_02 Treasure hunting with 1st Ash Vale Scout Group leaders Malcolm Simpson, Linda Moyle and Sarah Brown.

AN143931_08 Oku Nojo Daiko Japanese Drummers perform at the Ash Fun Day.

AN143931_12 Happy Days Pre-School with Ebani and Scarlet Riley.

AN143931_19 Alex Bliss and Rachel Hartley of Ash Tennis Club.

Carol Harris and her grandson Ryan Whittaker.