Kingsclere villagers dig deep for local church

Rainy bank holiday weather didn’t put off villagers from Kingsclere and the surrounding area from turning up for St Mary’s Church fete. Hundreds of people descended on St Mary’s churchyard, raising £6,000 for church funds - a figure slightly less than the amount raised last year of just under £7,000.
“The new Kingsclere Bake Off had fifteen entries, the quality of which was superb,” said Danielle Auld, one of the organisers, who continued:
“Congratulations go to Anna Duley, Issy Musset, Holly Rivers, Annabel Hill, Poppy, Ellie and James Sandiford and Sarah Hewitt for winning 1st prizes in The Great Kingsclere Bake Off, and a special congratulations to Aiden Ferris for winning Best In Show with his cake decorated as St Mary’s Church.”
With features such as a dog show, accessories stall, and children’s games and crafts the fete has become a highlight in the village’s social calendar , as one of the largest annual events held in the village.
This year the fete welcomed new activities such as a baking competition, with categories including Kingsclere creation, budding bakers and the cutest cupcakes, along with a new assortment of children’s games and a guess the pieces in the mosaic competition, as well as all the traditional favourites, boosting church funds with the help of donations and volunteers.
Fun-packed dog show classes included: the sweetest pup; prettiest bitch; most handsome dog; the animal most like his or her owner; the best dog in the show and the best old age pooch.
“The ever popular dog show had an incredible 88 entries this year so a very special congratulations goes to Mrs Brace from Hannington whose 12 stone rescue Old English Mastiff won Best In Show,” added Mrs Auld.
There were also dog and handler races, alongside traditional egg and spoon and sack races, barbecue and entertainment including bell tower tours and village stocks
Next year’s fete is to be held on August 26 - plans for which can be followed at