After a week of wind and rain the sun shone on Rogate’s annual village fete. Over 1000 people streamed into the bunting strewn recreation ground on Saturday afternoon.
Anna Lobbenberg, Chair of the Fete Committee said ‘we are thrilled everyone had such a good time. A lot of people have worked very hard to make this a wonderful village celebration. One of the highlights had to be the tug of war, farmers vs the rest of the world! Over £7000 was raised which will be put to good use in our community and beyond.”
The village hall hosted the now famous Rogate teas run by Susie Shepherd-Smith and her wonderful team who worked non-stop offering a delicious range of cakes and cream teas with many people going back for seconds.
The arena was constantly busy with popular children’s races including parent and child three legged race. This was followed by the dog show with Julie Sprakling making the tricky choices, then lovely singing from the pupils at Rogate School. The Marquee hosted the flower show with Rogate’s vicar Revd Edward Doyle presenting the cups.
Highlights around the busy site included traditional favourites with busy bric-a-brac, second hand books, plants and a cake stall. Visitors could wander round the display of beautifully presented vintage cars from Double LL Club, watch demonstrations of weaving and spinning, archery, blacksmithing and beekeeping.
There was never a dull moment with a huge inflatable slide, bouncy castle, jousting, face painting, nails and tattoos, cupcake decorating, chuck-an-egg, nerf gun alley, paint balling, craft corner, marble game, coconut shy, Professor Potty, donkey rides and the human fruit machine.
Visitors enjoyed delicious burgers and sausages cooked by the Rogate PTA, Turkish street food from Cara Gorda Cantina, traditional ice creams, crepes, all washed down with Beer or Pimms from the bar run by Debs Burles and her team.
A huge thank you to the Fete Committee, to the many hard working village volunteers, to the stall holders, to the sponsors who supported us, including The Country House Company and for providing their signs, and to the raffle prize donors. See you in 2018!