2:00pm Sunday 26th June 2011
By Emily Roberts
A MARCHING band, falconry display and Morris dancers entertained thousands of people who attended an annual village fete.
The Sandhurst and District Corps of Drums paraded around The Green in Sherfield-on-Loddon amid classic cars and motorcycles, while local bands performed on stage, including Rockin’ on the Green.
It was the 12th year the fete has been held in the village, organised by the Sherfield Fete Committee to raise money for local charities. Last year the event raised more than £9,000, and organisers were hoping to increase that this year.
Nick Robinson, one of the fete co-ordinators, said: “It’s the 12th year of sunshine. We estimate there will have been 5,000 people here throughout the day, which is a good turnout.”
As well as arena displays, including a dog show and tug-of-war, there were also various stalls, a beer tent and hog roast.
Peter Cook, from Goddards Close, Sherfield-on-Loddon, was showcasing his beer at the fete, produced at Goddards Farm in the village. The 44-year-old was made redundant from a logistics company, and decided to set up his own business, Sherfield Village Brewery. Brewing started last month.
He said: “The aim of the brewery is to produce distinctive real ales using predominantly English hops. We plan to supply pubs as close to home as possible.”
Councillor Loraine Smith, of Sherfield-on-Loddon Parish Council, was encouraging visitors to buy a piece of a 1,012 piece giant jigsaw puzzle for £1. She said: “We urgently need funds for the village hall because it’s very old.”
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