Parish Council Notes

WALTON NEWS

Sunday 8th August dawned brightly. The marquee was already in place in front of the Church having been put up in record time by a great gathering of helpers, and early next morning the air resounded to the noise of tent pegs being knocked in as the gazebo village went up to provide what proved to be welcome shade for the stallholders. Our thanks are due to Christine Baker who master-minded the arrangements, at the same time joining in the working parties, and running the teas with the help of her own family. As she herself has put it - “The PCC and fund raisers would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who supported the Fête. We could not have asked for a better day or, thanks to Barceló Walton Hall, a more wonderful setting, or more beautiful sunshine. Our thanks also go to the residents of Walton, their families and friends, the Dog Show Judge and the representatives from the vet practice who were so supportive, and who all worked so hard to make the day successful. A grand total of £1,600.00 was raised which will go towards the cost of the organ restoration.”

Christine also spoke of the happy faces she saw, and indeed there were many to be seen as the children, entranced, watched the Punch and Judy Show and others - adults and children alike - licked huge ice creams or devoured the hot dogs provided by more members of Christine's most supportive family. Then there were the spectators and owners at the Dog Show, not to mention the fine variety of dogs and it was good to see younger family members helping on the skittles and at the Dog Show, as well as new residents in the village who seemed happy to join in this community effort. And thanks to the Hutsbys too for cutting the hedges and making the village look at its best. I spoke on the phone to raffle prize winners who had been staying at Walton Hall and they enthused about the afternoon and said how good it was to see a traditional English Fête providing such an enjoyable family outing - they singled out the children's races as a special attraction.

Now the indefatigable Christine is preparing to organise another communal effort, the week-end of Saturday to Sunday 18th-19th September 10am - 4pm when there will be a Festival of Talents with displays illustrating local talents from history books to art works, period costumes and floral arrangements to name but a few. So do come along and discover what Walton residents do for a living or as a hobby. Entrance £2.00 to include Tea/Coffee and cake, and all proceeds will go towards the church.

EH