On behalf of the St Martin’s Guild Fete Committee, thank you to everyone who supported, helped with, and came to the Fete. A huge thank you must go to Toby and Sarah Ward for allowing us to use their field for the Fete, as well as to the Stargroves estate, especially Charlie Sheppard, who did a great job in preparing our parking field. Charlie also ran the Stargroves garden tours on 18 July.
Despite the occasional sprinkle of rain, hundreds came to enjoy the Fete. Entertainment was provided by the East Woodhay Silver Band who were on fine form, as well as the wonderful Newbury Rock Choir. In the Central Arena our local retired vet Paul Farrington ran the Family Dog Show.
Children had plenty of entertainment with Farm2ewe, face painting and, thanks to Andrew West, an enormous tractor to climb on, as well as lots of different games to play.
A big thank you also goes to Pete Mason and friends who brought some wonderful vintage cars for everyone to look at. Thank you also to the Bonsai Society for showing off their wonderful trees.
We made nearly £14,000 on the day and hopefully, including donations and after expenses were taken out, the total was over £15,000.
Thanks to our site manager Graham Heald, to Hugh Titcomb and the 1st Woolton Hill Scouts who managed the parking, to the gate keepers Elaine and Andrew Colville along with James de Alburquerque and to the amazing tea ladies organised by Sarah Ede.
Thanks also to Camilla West and all the volunteers from St Martin’s School who ran the spectacular Children’s Games alongside the EW Cricket Club, the Young Farmers and the Woolton Hill Argyle Football Club.
Thanks to the Wheatman family for their beer and Pimm’s tent, Ellie Aston-Noone for Granny’s Attic, Jackie Wake’s East Woodhay Artisans who had sewn and created so many beautiful items, the Roskill family’s Gelato stall, Julia Godfrey’s cake stall, Jenny Sanders’ Books, the Wilsons’ Tombola, Sarah Porter’s wonderful plant stall, the Foxons’ Sausage Sizzle, Jonathan Hopson’s incredible raffle and Jonathan Harris and Butler’s hot air balloon.
Thank you also to those from the Community that came to promote themselves; Neighbourcare, the East Woodhay Village Hall, the East Woodhay Parish Council, the East Woodhay Society and the East Woodhay Flower Show, as well as the many willing volunteers who put up the tents, manned the stalls and sideshows all afternoon, and helped put it all away at the end of the day.
Thank you everyone.
Sarah Leventhorpe on behalf of the St Martin’s Guild Committee