An afternoon of less than promising weather proved no deterrent for the hundreds who thronged the grounds of Sidbury school on Saturday last for the village fete, generously sponsored this year by Stags, writes Stephen Huyshe-Shires.

Now an established favourite amongst the sideshows, the human fruit machine whirred and spun to the delight of its lucky winners once again. And winners there were too elsewhere; in the pig races the porkers were run off their trotters and this year’s new entrant to the entertainments, The Fun Dog Show, was also a popular event. Winner of the waggiest tail was Archie with the best groomed award carried off by Peggie. When Head of Teaching Charlotte Hill wasn’t running the dog show, she nobly found herself in the stocks as the target of a deluge of wet sponges!

There were plenty of stalls at which to buy and the many laden bags being carried away during the afternoon showed business was brisk! Lots of enthusiastic comment on the fun confirmed a good time was had by all, which raised £3,900 jointly for the school, the church and the village.