A LOVELY dry and warm afternoon followed a morning of showers which deterred no one as the school playing field was filled with visitors to support the fete which raises funds for both the church and school.

Farrington Gurney Young Farmers’ Club entertained with ‘Have a go at milking’ and the secretary and social secretaries opened the fete.

There were many attractions and stalls with a large inflatable slide which had a queue all afternoon. The wonderful sound of the Kingswood Fellowship Band of the Salvation Army drifting across proceedings along with the aroma of the hotdogs and burgers.

A spokesperson said: “The many stalls were busy throughout, many books selected, tombolas to have a go at, face painting always a favourite. One of highlights, the auction wall, many promises donated with keen bidding on all. The selection was vast with dog walking, child minding, farm beef boxes, meals at local hostelries and many more, something for everyone.

“A new innovation this year was a display of vintage tractors, many of which are still used daily on village farms.

“One feature was the scarecrow catwalk and what a selection from the village over the past few weeks. The eventual winner was the entry from The Waldegrave Arms of a chef. It certainly did not look like the actual chefs from the pub. A delight for the children are the harness goats who loved to be groomed and fed treats were brought to the fete by Derek, Debbie and Sean Dickson from Holcombe.”

Along with the primary school country dancing there is Tug o’ War, for adults, children and village against village, just a lot of fun at the end of the day.

The one stall that no one can resist is the tea tent with their huge selection of cakes, large and small, very sweet to not so. The tea tent has always been organised and manned by the village Women’s Institute, this was their swansong as the branch will be closing after 107 years.

A statement from the WI says it is “with mixed feelings that we are reporting the closure of Chewton Mendip Women’s Institute”. The membership and committee numbers have decreased and made it difficult to continue within the WI regulations. More specifically, with no one to step in and take on the treasurer’s role the current committee could not absorb those duties; they and members had little alternative but to vote for closure.

The spokesperson added: “Chewton Mendip has achieved a lot in its long history, not just in the way of friendship, education and support to members and communities but also in supporting other groups, buildings, schools, churches, and clubs, and let us not forget the many daffodils that have been planted around the area and all the sewing projects.

“Sometimes things have their day and Chewton Mendip WI, whilst being missed by members has had its day and things move on.”