Ecchinswell's May Fair raises £4,500 for charity

900 people stream in to see 'beasties' - and more

Hundreds streamed in to visit Ecchinswell’s traditional Bank Holiday Sunday, May Fayre, where build a beast and bake-off competitions brought out the competitive streak – and raised £4,500 for charity.

The fayre, held in the scenic river garden at the Royal Oak pub, saw 900 visitors, despite a worrying moment for landlord, Chris Webb, after a downpour that morning.

By noon, though, the sun had broken out, and visitors arrived from Ecchinswell, and as far afield as Basingstoke and Andover.

The highlight of the day was a wacky race – a blindfold wheelbarrow race team event, which proved competitive.

Kingsclere Rugby Club then won the tug of war competition over an Ecchinswell team.

Human table football also went down well, while the barbecue and hog roast sold out, with 36 fantastic raffle prizes, including a children’s wooden playhouse worth £695 and 32-inch screen television, as well as tickets to a West End show, donated by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose estate is in neighbouring Sydmonton.

The laid-back bank holiday atmosphere continued with live music by folk band, Jigworks, followed by Newbury rock band Riff Raff in the evening.

Visitors had a chance to check out the ‘beasties’ as they drove through the village, with 50 entries for the Build A Beast competition.

The winners were Greg and Sarah Lylestone who scooped a meal for four at the Royal Oak.

Bottles of Champagne went to second-placed John Marian and third-placed Katie, Alan and Dylan Roselaar, while a commendation went to Gareth and Mandy Hobson.

The icing on the cake was a bake-off competition, with judges in fancy dress as Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood – celebrity judges of The Great British Bake Off.

Winners were: Junior Champion: Molly Smith; traybakes/cupcakes: Michelle Bayliss; showstopper Emma Parker; chocolate creation: Sophie Baikie; Victoria sponge: Amy Sainsbury; scones: Molly Smith; fruit-inspired bake: Jackie Bayliss.

The money raised will be equally divided between the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Sebastian’s Action Trust – a Bagshot-based charity which provides support and respite holidays for families of children with severe disabilities.

Mr Webb was keen to support the air ambulance, particularly as it did not receive any government funding.