This year's Haddenham Fete on 9th June saw record numbers of people turn out once again for one of the highlights in the village calendar – aided by some glorious sunshine and a memorable Spitfire Flypast.
The start of the fete saw the judging of the inaugural Haddenham Bake-Off, with a mouthwatering display of beautiful cakes themed around 'British Summertime'.
It was a tough decision for our judging panel – comprising: our special guest, Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh; Joan O'Hare who organised the fete teas and coffees for decades until her retirement last year; and WI member, Brenda Spencer – a seasoned cake baker herself.
The winning entry for the under 14's category was a collaborative effort by Keeley Barton, Charlotte Barton and Libby Edmonds. An impressive Pimms-themed creation by Sarah Murray took the top prize in the over 14s category.
The Ian English Quartet and community choir, Sing in the Vale provided musical entertainment for the day. An added treat for those there early to set up was hearing the St Mary's bellringers.
Alongside the usual fun and games around the green, the Classic Cars display remained as popular as ever and this year included a notable collection of vintage tractors. The Open Gardens were a lovely highlight as usual and raised a fantastic £840 – which will be split between the fete and Florence Nightingale Hospice. St Mary's Church was also transformed into a 'Sunday Best' exhibition – a wonderful display of fashions from 1880 – to 1980.
June 9th was also National Gin Day so it seemed only fitting that a new addition for this year was Chaser's mobile bar serving up a delightful array of gins. This was alongside the ever popular Beer and Pimms tent, while teas and homemade cakes were served from both the church and St Mary's Centre. A 'Food Court' area outside St Mary's provided fete-goers with a delicious choice of barbecued foods and pizzas.
Towards the end of the afternoon, a Spitfire Flypast provided a wonderful spectacle as it skirted over the top of St Mary's Church and the treeline. This was closely followed by an altogether different spectacle – as contestants from the Wheelbarrow Festival ran (without their barrows) through the fete (I hear from some contestants it gave them a chance for a little rest!).
The fete truly was a whole community event. 50 stalls were present representing the majority of local schools, charities and organisations. Teas and coffees were served up by volunteers from Churches Together in Haddenham and our own community radio station, Red Kite Radio was broadcasting the action live from the fete.
Thanks go to all who supported in any way – whether baking cakes, donating bottles or prizes, selling programmes, setting up, running stalls and, of course, attending on the day. Without these collective efforts, the fete would simply not happen. Thanks are also due to Dandara New Homes and McCormick (UK) for their financial support. And to Haddenham.net for helping to promote the fete and for capturing a photographic record of the day.
Altogether the fete has raised over £6,500 for local charities and causes – the highest amount raised so far by the event. This is in addition to the thousands raised by the individual stallholders for their organisations and charities. A full breakdown of where the money goes will be provided once final donations are in.
In case you've not yet glanced at the photos, there are many to enjoy in the Galleries section of this website.
We hope to see you all again next year – Saturday 8th June!
