Our Summer Garden Fete last weekend was a huge success. Lady Jemima, Mary Thomas and Lady Elizabeth worked tirelessly to ensure it was a day filled with fun for all. Rain early in the morning had everyone worried for a time but the sun prevailed and the day emerged beautiful and fresh for that bit of morning rain.
There were smiles all around as the villagers walked to the Gresham Park Estate where the Fete was being held. Children could hardly wait to get there tugging their parents along when they stopped to say hello to their neighbours. There were friends from other villages come to share in the fun which made for a lovely community public day.
On entering the tent where the villagers showcased their prize fruits and vegetables along with their finest sewn items, paintings and all manner of things, one was presented with table upon table of offerings for the judges to consider. It seems most of the village had an item or two on show. The flowers were the most popular category with everyone stopping to smell the scents of the flowers and ask the name of this flower or that fern. The Judging Tent was of interest to all for there were so many delightful things to pause and admire.
Outside in the sunshine the stalls were many and varied with happy vendors calling everyone to inspect their wares. The merchant selling lady’s fans was popular on such a warm day; the confections stall was a magical display of sugar creations to tempt anyone. The representation of Comely Manor made of carefully moulded sugar garnered much attention. Wide-eyed children looked at the sweets and it was only the beginning of the games which tore them away from such sublime contemplation.
The men could be found gathered around the livestock making their own choices for best in show. Moss Turner’s sheep were much admired for their pristine fleeces while Old Mary stood proudly by her Daisy, pleased that so many thought her new donkey a handsome creature. There were many proud pet owners confident their pet was well-favoured by all. Children and adults alike stood smiling with their pets waiting for the judges to arrive. There were rabbits, dogs, cats and even a ferret or two.
The games had everyone cheering and laughing. What fun it was to see all taking part in such joyous events. Many rosettes were awarded amid cheering. The egg and spoon race had the most participants causing the judge to keep up with the entrants in order to see who crossed over the finish line first. The lady’s were all smiles as they rushed to a table and threaded a needle before rushing back to their line to tag the next on their team. That was a very close race indeed as you know the ladies of Amberleigh are proficient stitchers.
When the sun became too hot the refreshment tent was the best place to recover. Alice Powell and her cousin Hetty Thorne were making cups of tea and coffee with haste. The cakes were admired and cut for eagerly awaiting patrons and the atmosphere inside was one of mirth for all were watching the two serving the tea to see who would take the most orders. There was much banter and at one point when the judges came in they were encouraged to time the cousins. Such fun and laughter ensued at that. Lady Caroline, Mary Thomas and Lady Elizabeth sat among the tea drinkers pleased their efforts had created such a happy day for the villagers.
Later in the afternoon the music and dancing began and to hear the sound of the fiddle picking out a merry tune was a treat for all. Dances were called and partners took their places bowing to one another. Reels had them keeping time with the fiddle while others tapped their feet along with the music as they watched the dancers.
Our garden fete was surely a day to be remembered. Have a look at some of the entries that were on display in the judging tent.
Best Loaf of Bread Category
Marianne Sedgeway's Challah Bread
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| 180 cm tall |
Patience Pembroke's Lap Quilt
Lady Elizabeth's Work Bag
Old Mary's Sweet Dream Pillow
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