If Queen Victoria had attended the event at St. Laurence Churchyard on August Bank Holiday this year, I believe that she would have been hugely amused! What an amazing day! Despite the threat of rain and a slightly damp start, we estimate around 350 people attended the Victorian Themed Church Fete. There were a variety of games on offer, reflecting the period; quoits, lawn tennis, croquet as well as the old favourites; tin pan alley, coconut shy, bagatelle and more. We crowned some champions in the various challenges and marvelled at how the Victorians ever got anything clean with the Sunlight Challenge. (This was a revisited game from a Fete at the church in 1895!) Visiting children enjoyed traditional crafts, games and a dip in the bran tub.

Many of our 60 volunteers entered the spirit of the event wearing amazing Victorian Costumes and many of our visitors followed suit! Queen Victoria put in an appearance as did many bathing belles. We also enjoyed the sight of an original Penny Farthing complete with a beautifully dressed couple.

Entertainment was provided by our local singer Georgie, the In Crowd Singers and the Morris Dancers and, as ever, we were grateful for the support of our local farming community.

I think that two visitors summed up the essence of the day in the following comments:

“It was such a wholesome event – not about ripping people off with crazy prices – so happy to be part of a fabulous day for our village.”

“I came away with the exact same thoughts 💕It was a lovely day for the village, and an important reminder that away from social media and politics, there’s still an awful lot of love, unity and respect for each other out there.”

And, as we plan for next year’s event – which will be themed on all things mining – we reflect on a day blessed with sunshine, happiness and community.

The PCC would like to thank Janet and all the team involved in this event. £2,300 has been given to the church, of which £750 will be donated to Nuneaton Hospitals League of Friends and the rest has been placed in church funds.