EAST GARSTON FETE

Photos : Ken Tarbox

2011 - back again for their third year. A bunch of folks of whom I make no bones about saying, rate very highly on my list of favourite people. "The Garston Gallopers" of course, The village's own Morris Dance troup. Once again we were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable half  an hour or so, of colourful, good humoured entertainment. This lot never disappoint, and if I sound a bit biased - its because I am-!

 

 

VERNHAM DEAN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Photos : Sharon Causebrook

Penny, Alan H and I had the pleasure of visiting the school in the run-up to the fete to teach the children some Morris dancing. They (and their teachers) were enthusiastic learners and perfected two dances – one for the younger ones and one for the older pupils. One boy was excited to be told that his dance was called ‘Shepherds Away’ because he was a shepherd!

The fete, on Saturday 23rd July, was held in the playing field next to the school and there were some exciting events to watch. We particularly enjoyed the gymnastics and martial arts displays.  We danced in the arena, first on our own, and later with a mass of eager children who were keen to wear some bells on their legs and demonstrate their new skills to their families.

 

 

LAMBOURN SCHOOL

 

Photos : Robert Allfrey

 

Another Saturday, another fete! On 9th July we travelled the short distance to Lambourn for the school’s summer fete. The weather was perfect for dancing and for the other activities and displays on offer. We loved listening to the children playing their steel pans with such confidence and rhythm.

Several of us also had a go at hand-bell ringing with the Lambourn Chimers. One of our dancers, Christine, showed off another of her talents as a member of the Chimers

Our dancing went well, following our now regular fete programme. We had plenty of audience participation in our final dance, including the school’s head-teacher and a large number of enthusiastic pupils. Robert demonstrated previously hidden skills as announcer and teacher for the performance. Altogether it was a lovely, relaxed afternoon in Lambourn.

 

 

VERNHAM DEAN

 

Photos : Robert Allfrey

 

On Saturday 25th June we returned to the village of Vernham Dean, for their fete. This was the second consecutive year that we have danced here It was a beautiful sunny day and we had time to enjoy the stalls before dancing. A popular feature of the day was the dog show. We were intrigued to know what the Irish Pair class might be and surprised to discover it was for two different breeds of dog! Our dancing went down so well that the local school has invited us to return for their fete in a few weeks’ time.

 

 

CHUTE

Photos : Alan Breadmore

Our third fete of the summer season was the following week at Chute, near Andover on 18th June. The day began with torrential rain and high winds, so everyone was looking a little anxious when we arrived. Fortunately the rain stopped in time for the fete to be opened on time by the local MP and we danced straight afterwards. Our second performance was in the shadow of a Chinook helicopter whose landing was the highlight of the day. The friendly crew invited us on board and posed for photos with us in front of the helicopter.

 

 

LECKHAMPSTEAD

Photos : Sharon Causebrook

On 11th June we paid a return visit to Leckhampstead Fayre. We especially enjoy this event as we dance on the road outside the pub, thus having a ready audience! Once again, our performances were well received. We were very impressed by the maypole dancing by children from Brightwalton School who must have been putting in a lot of practice for the event.

 

 

WELFORD and WICKHAM

Photos : Sharon Causebrook

Our first Summer fete of the year was the Welford and Wickham Party in the Park on 15th May, which took place in the magnificent surroundings of Welford Park. The day was a little cool and breezy but we soon warmed up once we began dancing. Quite a few members of the audience joined in our ‘invitation’ dance so they must have been feeling cold too!

 

Text : Jackie Breadmore