Usual British weather did not dampen all the fun of the Loxwood Village Fete
had a ringside seat to watch so many dogs on parade, all shapes, colours, and sizes filing passed me as the main ring of the Loxwood Village Fete and fun dog show commenced.
I did not envy the judge, with so many adorable puppies on display, and the dog with the best trick jumped into the arms of his owner on command – very clever pooch. A big German shepherd won the championship prize, and I nearly came home with a new four-legged black Pomeranian puppy!
The Loxwood Village Fete Committee were determined to hold a village fete this year to raise funds for local good causes following the cancellation of last year’s fete. For a number of years the fete has been a wellestablished and very popular event for families and this was very evident on Saturday.
To give it every chance of going ahead it was postponed from June to last Saturday. The British weather did its usual and rained but this did not stop crowds of people from attending and enjoying the fact they could
Imingle and enjoy a day out at a community event once more. The fete included children’s races, Punch and Judy, a magic show, a bouncy castle, Slinfold Concert Band, The North Singers, face painting as well as normal stalls, tombola, grand draw, licensed bar, barbacue, teas, and many other attractions.
The poor vicar did get a good soaking with wet sponges. The Punch and Judy show still had a crowd of youngsters watching as did the traditional splat the rat and skittles.
The stall of homemade cakes was empty by the end, as was the tombola. A homemade crochet stall displayed the talents of one lady who had made all the children’s aprons, traditional tea cosy, cafetiere cover, doorstops and blankets using Norwegian stitch and pillowcases. The handmade craft stall was well received with ceramics, knitted creatures and greeting cards.
The tea and coffee stall kept visitors and stallholders refreshed with the barbecue lit for lunch while listening to the sounds of the Slinfold
Concert Band. The Band was founded by Slinfold resident John Reed in 1978. John was keen to maintain the Sussex tradition of a village band being an accomplished musician, playing both keyboard and brass instruments. At the start, John and his two children were joined by neighbour Charles Duncan and his daughter. Other friends and family soon followed, along with other musicians from the village and further afield. As numbers grew the idea of turning the informal sessions into a ‘proper’ village band began to take shape as the accomplished band displayed and entertained.
The children’s tug-of-war was amusing as was the adults with men sticking in the heels to get a grip only to be pulled straight over by the opposing team.
I came home with a new bird feeder for my garden and dry at last as the sun came out as we packed away the wet gazebos. The weather did not dampen the day and congratulations must go to the organisers for such a fun and well-run event.