Those of us looking out of the window at 7 o'clock on the morning of Saturday 5th July at the rain stair rodding from glowering clouds could have been forgiven for feeling twelve months of hard work organizing the 2008 Holybrook Festival were literally going down the drain! However we have unswerving faith in the Met Office and the British weather forecast which promised a window of fine weather between two wet spells, and so it proved as the festival went triumphantly ahead in bright sunshine and mischievous wind which made putting up the tents rather more fun than usual! Hundreds of people from Holybrook Parish and beyond streamed in all afternoon and stayed to enjoy the multitude of stalls and activities for all ages which are illustrated below.
Above - Councillor Tony Ward, who is a retired book binder, with his exhibition Children tried their hand at one of the side shows especially for them
"The Art of the Book"
The Drumming Workshops proved immensely popular and people of all ages Councillors and friends acting the fool before the band competition!
had great fun keeping to the time and rhythm of the instructors.
The bouncy castle, as ever, proved immensely popular and didn't blow away! The Parish Clerk and the long arm of the law!
The refreshment ladies, Mary Bedwell, Margaret Argyle and Teresa Baldock, Children from Calcot Infants School during their delightful dancing display watched by
did not stop from 10am until 3.30pm serving sandwiches and teas to the stall proud parents, relatives and many others.
holders and public.
Within 30 seconds of the arrival of the fire engine it was swarming with children We were pleased to welcome Councillor Keith Chopping, Chairman of West Berkshire Council
and surrounded by mums admiring the men in uniform! and his wife (who had trouble keeping her hat on in the wind!)
Candy Floss, always popular, brought a taste of the seaside to Berkshire.
Father John Hudson, Vicar of St Matthews Church Southcote, donated a pewter Pocket the Clown entertained the children through the afternoon.
tankard to be held for a year by the winner of the 'Gentleman's Cake' competition.
He is pictured with Simon Cleaver from Tilehurst who was adjudged to have made
the best Victoria Sponge.
Busy all afternoon, the beer tent did a roaring trade! Glenn Dennis and Val Betteridge in charge of the PA and raffle.
A lady rang afterwards to thank us for her raffle prize which was a meal for two
at the Calcot Hotel. She said how much she had enjoyed it, that she was 84,
and that it was the first time she had ever won anything!
The Breast Cancer Support Group with their bric-a-brac stall. Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Children came in their dozens to have their fingerprints taken in the mobile police The Japanese Embroidery Exhibition proved very popular once again as
van. Let's hope that's the only time they are taken! Barbara Wright and her ladies displayed their exquisite handiwork.
Reg Sherwood with his hand carved walking sticks. The Pre-school leaders caused a splash with the children hurling wet sponges at them!
One of the Crawford Sisters and her dancing display. This 1905 barrel organ brought a touch of the fair to the event with its wonderful
music. All done with punched cards too!
A display by the Youth Team in the 'Garage'. Simon Cleaver's family with his pot and beer to go in it.
Above and below people enjoy the cream teas (and the calories!) and District Councillor Brian Bedwell takes a break from his refreshment duties.
Paddy Davis and his Square Dancing team in action in the Linear Hall.
PCSOs Viv Joyce and Paul Tuttle were caught red handed eating ice-cream in Steve Clifton and friends (at least they were before he had
uniform and in public. They were disciplined - for not buying the sergeant one!! his face painted!)
Uncle Charley and young admirer. Dozens of children were A dad struggles with a large balloon on a windy afternoon.
entertained by Uncle Charley and his Punch and Judy Show.
HOLYBROOK FESTIVAL 2008 - Saturday 5 July between 12pm and 4pm at Linear Park, Charrington Road, Calcot, Reading RG31 7AW (near J12 M4).
It had a Family fun fair, 10 craft stalls, Punch and Judy, Pocket the clown, Uncle Charley, an electric barrel organ, ice cream, candy floss, burgers, cream teas, band competition, face painting, martial arts displays, drumming with workshops, square dancing, beer tent, police and fire services, bouncy castles, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Friends of Linear Park and many different stalls. Something for all the family!
Calcot Infant School pupils put on a display of country dancing at 2pm and also had a mini beast and pond display
Fr. John Hudson suggested a gentleman's cake competition using a W.I. recipe which they then judged. A cup was presented to the winner.
The Reading Breast Cancer Support Association sold bric-a-brac and clothing, the Neighbourhood Wardens ran a penalty shootout competition and there was a stand with information and leaflets on 'Walking the Way to Health'. Barbara Wright (traditional Japanese embroidery) had an exhibition and demonstration. Phoenix Trading sold greeting cards, gift wrap, stationery, posters and ribbons. There was also a hand made jewellery stall run by Brenda Rolls, Rainbow jewellery and Usborne Books at Home sold children's books for babies to teens. June Scott and Judy Woolford sold handmade cards and homemade cakes. West Berkshire Foster Carers Association, the Volunteer Centre from Newbury, Southcote Gardeners Association and Trading Standards were also present.
Raffle prizes were - a Sorrento barbecue from Homebase, a 4GB Silver Apple iPod Nano from PC Consultancy, a Kickfit Martial Arts School 6 month beginner course and uniform, a Carvery Dinner for Two at the Calcot Hotel, Caversham Solicitors Ltd sent 'mirror Wills', Porsche cars donated a set of Porsche espresso cups, 2 hair vouchers from the Style Guru in Theale, a family ticket for the Living Rainforest and Warings the Bakery and John Lewis have given vouchers. There were also bottles of wine, binoculars and a camera donated by Gordon Lewis. Plants were donated by the Reading Breast Cancer Support Group. Guide Dogs for the Blind donated a coffee maker and the Southcote Gardeners Associated have given a voucher.
The programme was distributed before the event to 2,800 houses. This was a community event which appealed to all the family, children, parents and grandparents.
IF YOU ENJOYED THE FESTIVAL PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE TO LEND A HAND NEXT YEAR.