'Blow the wind southerly-northerly-westerly' was the theme tune of this year's Grand Fete. The morning of Tuesday, August 7, was windy, blowy, blustery, gusty, squally, stormy and wild. However, the weather forecast for once, proved spot on. The prediction promised better conditions later: sure enough as opening time approached the wind dropped and the sun shone.
This annual event takes place in the beautiful grounds of Manorbier Castle, by kind permission of Miss B. Plunkett and Mrs. E. Napier. The proceeds are used for the general upkeep of St. James' Church and this year's highly successful event resulted in a record income.
Many, many members of the parish contributed to make the fete possible and this year there was some much appreciated additional help from unlikely 'parishioners' - the Army! Major Warburton and his team from the local Royal Artillery unit lent some much needed man and muscle power on Tuesday morning when the castle grounds were transformed rapidly and safely, ready for the later arrival of the stall holders. A big 'thank you' to our good neighbours.
In late afternoon, as the stalls were being dressed and produce was being displayed, ready for sale, a very special group was setting up their area. This year the organisers were delighted to welcome Tenby Brass Band. Their inspired selection of popular tunes and enthusiastic playing, coupled with the smart, elegance of their uniform added more than a touch of class to the evening.
This year more visitors attended this wonderful family occasion than ever before. There was a lot to see and do for all ages, especially children. Sideshows, games, clowns, live music, plenty to eat and drink and loads of stalls.
There were stalls selling plants, books (many in 'new' condition, fancy goods, white elephants, linens and much more). You could also try your luck on the bottle stall and the tombola with the chance of winning valuable prizes. There were lots of sideshows which provided great fun. The cake stall sold out of their home-made produce fast. The Welsh cake ladies were still cooking for their queue of customers after some stalls were being dismantled as darkness descended.
And the band played on...
The visitors appeared to have a great time and were reluctant to leave. Some from Yorkshire made appreciative comments, especially about the brass band bringing a nostalgic lump to the throat. Another lady confided to a local stallholder: "We have nothing like this in Birmingham." At least one vicar from far away was seriously making notes in his notebook with a view, perhaps, to staging something similar in his own parish.
If you did not know about it, missed it or could not attend, please come along next year. All those people who enjoyed it so much can't be wrong! Thank you from everyone involved to everyone who attended. It was done for you and for an admirable cause.