Yattendon fete on Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend raises £17k for local causes

SWAPPING the last May bank holiday for the Jubilee weekend, good weather accompanied Yattendon and Frilsham’s first fete in three years.

Opened by Lord Iliffe, the fete took place on Saturday and saw villagers and visitors from elsewhere coming to Yattendon to take part in the festivities.

There was a variety of live music performances, as well as a number of stalls and activities that raised around £17,000 for local causes.

Yattendon fete committee chair and organiser Allison Gillespie said: “I would like to thank the teams of volunteers who worked so hard throughout the day.

“It couldn’t be done without the support of the community who all work tirelessly to welcome everyone to Yattendon and create a fun afternoon out for all the family.”

Some of the enjoyable fete activities included old favourites like the coconut shy, egg-throwing and welly-wanging. A Punch and Judy show was set up to entertain the children.

Newbury MP Laura Farris also attended and presided over a game of tug of war. She helped with the fete prize draw, which saw a £250 gift card and personal styling appointment with Yattendon-based Hope Fashion up for grabs.

She also visited a fundraising stall from the Reading and West Berks branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, where volunteer Lin Jenkins from Tilehurst was suitably dressed with Union Jacks all over her outfit.

All the money raised at the fete will be distributed to local charities, including the Yattendon and Frilsham Sports and Social Trust.