Chieveley Village Fete enjoys wonderful year in new venue

A village fete has returned for another successful weekend, this time in a new venue.

Chieveley celebrated its “biggest ever” annual village fete on Sunday, June 23, at the Recreation Ground.

And a new venue meant new attractions, as well as some returning favourites.

New this year was the dog show run by Rosie’s Pet Care — a big hit — and the classic car and motorbike display.

Chieveley Fete Committee chair, Kirsty Heath, said: “We are delighted to be here at the recreational ground.

“Our thanks to the Village Hall committee for all their support with our relocation and planning.”

Angus Marriott, who left Chieveley Primary School as head at Easter, opened the fete.

The Chieveley Tennis and Cricket Clubs, Cold Ash Football and Berkshire Youth archery all organised games.

Also popular were the swing boats, carousel, bouncy castles, assault courses, church tombola, tug of war, young stallholders and The Outdoor Academy’s mobile caving system, which visited free of chare and donated all proceeds to the fete.

Live performances in the main arena included the East Woodhay Silver Band, The Downs School Sixth Form student George Parker and Chieveley Primary School’s choir.

And in the stocks this year were three heads including Mr Marriott and head of The Downs, Chris Prosser, who said said he was willing to do it again next year, albeit with a spare set of clothes.

“A huge thank you to the Fete Committee,” added Mrs Heath.

“There is, of course, plenty of planning for an event like this, but we have fun doing it.”

The organisers are still waiting for final figures, but already know they have exceeded previous attendance and fundraising figures.

They hold a small number of meetings in the first half of the year, hosted in the nearby Ye Olde Red Lion pub.

This year’s beneficiaries included Berkshire Youth, The Downs, St Mary’s Church and Chieveley Cricket team.