News

Fête Day 2007

Introduction

As dawn broke over Longhope this morning, it looked very promising. At 9:00am, the sun was shining, with white fluffy clouds hanging over May Hill and the hills of the Forest, but dark clouds looming nearer Gloucester. But with the stiff northwesterly wind blowing down the valley, hopefully, any rain would stay away. The temperature was already a pleasant 17 degrees Centigrade. But it is 07-07-07 so maybe luck was on our side. After all the rain that the area has suffered, and it being the wettest June on record, would it be dry for Longhope Fete?

The sun shone gloriously all afternoon. There was a marvellous turn out and we are grateful to the Gloucester Gladiators Scout Band for stepping in at short notice to lead the procession. They are coming back next year! As well as the two floats, there was a larger than usual line up of "walkers". The floats just about managed to negotiate the new entrance into the Rec without removing the new railings. The Playgroup with "Jurassic Playgroup 2007" won the best float award, with Hope Brook School's "Shipwreck Lagoon" coming a close second, but it was a very difficult decision for PC Plod, PC James Pearce, the Longhope police community officer who also opened the fete.

The Music Man kept the youngsters entertained, while the beer tent and tea pavilion did a good trade quenching the thirst, in the heat of the day. The central arena had a demonstration by Monty's Allsorts Dog Training Club, and country dancing by members of Hope Brook School.

Pictures

Here is a selection of pictures from this year's fête.

The Gloucester Gladiators Scout Band heading the procession.	The LADS	"Jurassic Playgroup 2007"
Ship ahoy! Hope Brook School's float "Shipwreck Lagoon".	A police car and bus always manage to end up in the procession	Amelia Sterry, the Carnival Princess, and George Worley the Carnival Page Boy hitching a lift in a posh car.
Some of the locals, as promised lads!	The dinosaurs arrive at the Rec	Beatrice Morris, the Carnival Queen, and James Pearce who opened the fete.
Hope Brook School's float	Little Bo Peep has lost all her sheep...	Opening of the fete by James Pearce
The best at walking was Latia	Poor Scarlet, she was runner-up, but she still can't find those sheep...	Pauline accepting the winner's trophy on behalf of Playgroup. Got you in the end Pauline?
Sheila, who promises us this is the last year. See you next year Sheila?	Vicky Harper's Cook Book stall, with tastings of some recipes. The Stilton Soup was off though!	Vicky Harper, everyone
The tea hut, as popular as ever.	Ye Olde favourite: The Music Man	The pig roast
Anyone for a cuppa?	The popular beer tent	Peter Walwin making some wood sculptures
The make-up tent run by the Youth Cafe	The Tennis Chub stall selling last minute tickets for Wimbledon	The Scout band gives us a final tune.
The local MP makes an appearance	Beatrice the Carnival Queen poses for the press	Neigh - pony rides.
Monty's Allsorts Dog Display Team	Hope Brook School country dancers	The Playgroup float again
Hope Brook School float	Margaret Willis, who was presented with a bouquet for her dedication to the Fete Committee over the years. Pity Carole forgot about it and was found in the beer tent with the flowers!	...so be good children, or this nice gentleman may pay you a visit!