Longhope has had its fair share of snow this year, with heavy snowfalls in both February and December. It did, however, mean that we had our second white Christmas of recent years.
Perhaps the one thing that will stick in many people's minds from 2009 is the levelling of the Recreation Ground which had rumoured to have been in the planning since 2000. For more than a fortnight, diggers and various other bits of machinery could be seen removing large amounts of earth from the ground. It does now mean that you can kick a ball around without having to fetch it out of the brook every five minutes.
In a break from tradition, the village's annual fete started not from Richard Read's Lorry Park, but, instead, from the Manor House this year. This gave residents of the Manor House a chance to see the start of the parade this year, something that they wouldn't normally see. Due to works at the Recreation Ground the fete was held in the grounds of Hope Brook C of E School; many people remarked that it was a much more intimate atmosphere which they throughly enjoyed, as pictures from the day show. The fete committee are always looking for fresh faces to help with the organisation. If you think you are up to the challenge please get in touch.
The Friends of All Saints' Church launched an appeal this year to raise the £190,000 or so required to retile the roof of All Saints which is in desperate need of the work. English Heritage have said they would donate some money towards the work but much fundraising still needs to be done.
Vicky's Longhope Feast was also held to raise funds for this project as one of the many fundraising activities that have been going on. In total, the feast raised £1465 towards the roof.
As the website enters its tenth year in operation, we are looking forward to seeing what 2010 will bring.
Hope you all have a prosperous New Year,
The Longhope Village Website