Speen Fete 2010 review

SPEEN FETE 2010 Review

What a wonderful hot and sunny day. An enthusiastic throng of people began gathering on the playing field early in the morning, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Puma Helicopter from 230 squadron at RAF Benson. Soon after 10.00, Lee, one of the ground crew, cleared an area of the field in preparation for the landing.

The aircraft soon appeared from the direction of the Old Plow and slowly circled the

field before landing close to the tennis courts. As the engine was switched off, the swirling blades slowed, the whine of the engine reduced and a round of applause broke out.

A video of this can be seen on YouTube by going to www.youtube.com/speenbucks.

Our fete was opened at 2.00 by Elaine Ball, whose son Thomas began the charity work that led to the Thomas Ball Children’s Cancer Fund, this years nominated charity. They provide much needed care and support for terminally sick children and their families throughout the local area.

The first event was the children’s fancy dress parade. It was obvious that a great deal of time and energy had been spent producing an expertly crafted and imaginative display of costumes.

The theme of this year’s fete was Youth. We wanted to bring to the attention of local youngsters the organisations and facilities that are available to them. We had representatives from the Air Training Corps, The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, the Girl Guides, the Army Cadet Force, the Sea Cadets and St Johns Ambulance Brigade.

The West Wycombe Brass Band’s first performance set the mood for the afternoon with a lively and enthusiastic programme of rousing music. We were then treated to a splendid Karate display by the boys and girls of The Academy in High Wycombe. They demonstrated some of the basic moves and techniques used and how it was possible to defend oneself from attack. Next came a beautifully choreographed exhibition of Country Dancing by the youngsters of Speen School arranged by Mrs Nayna. She had coached the children to give a magnificent display as they danced around the arena with confidence and flair.

The last item in the ring was a Street Dance Display put on by The JPS Street Crew from High Wycombe. We are greatly indebted to them for stepping in, with only three days notice, when the original group had to withdraw. They treated us to a varied and expertly performed arrangement of dances by different groups of youngsters which thrilled the audience.

During the gloriously sunny afternoon all the sideshows were busy. The general hubbub broken by frequent cheers as yet another coconut was dislodged from its stand. One clever 7 year old managed to hit and fell a coconut, the ball being deflected and hitting a second sending that to the floor as well. A new item this year was the Pillow Fight game, where two opposing contestants confronted each other on a swivelling pole and tried to knock each other to the floor. This proved very popular with children of all ages.

At the end of the afternoon the main fete area emptied as everyone flocked towards the top half of the field to watch the helicopter depart. The crew went through their final checks and as people grasped hold of the nearest gazebo to stop it being blown away the helicopter slowly lifted off. Having cleared the rooftops it again flew around the field and, with the main side doors open, a member of the crew could be seen perched on the threshold. It swept away to much cheering and hand waving from the delighted audience.

Our very grateful thanks go to all those involved in arranging this exciting visit and to all those who gave their time and energy to make the day a success. Without their help it would not be possible stage the event, which not only provides much needed funds to village organisations but also unites the community in a day of fun and merriment.

The prize winners are listed below:-

COMPETIONS 2010:

Fancy Dress;

Dylan Campbell- Bloor: Green racing car.
Hugh Podmore: Strong Man

Collage Picture:

Amy Entwistle: Bike Riding
Lucy & Amy Entwistle: Skiing

Cardboard Racing Car: Max Thompsom

Tallest Sunflower: Lily Bowen

Colouring Picture: Isobel Burton, William Chapman

The 2010 GRAND DRAW winners

1. £200 CASH Lucinda Ethell

2. BEECHDEAN ICE CREAM Mike & Val Moore