CONTINUING a glorious summer, the 117th Kirkby Fleetham Feast was fortunate to enjoy the sunshine too at all its events during Feast Week and on the day itself.

Football, Quoits and the Fun Run all enjoyed a good turnout of participants, without the need for wellies and waterproofs and trophies were handed out to worthy winners.

The ethos of the Feast of ‘keeping rural traditions alive’ continued with an action packed Show Day, albeit not in grand showcase style but in the Yorkshire manner, friendly, welcoming and inclusive. Visitor comments have all been positive; enjoying the smooth running of the show, the standard of catering, both the afternoon teas in the village hall and the onsite meat and vegetarian options provided by Sarah Sewell plus comments on the fascinating countryside information available both from the stalls and arena exhibitors.

The day started off with a well attended Dog Show, judged by Anne White, a former judge of hounds at the Yorkshire Show, the brightest four eyes and the dog/owner look alike must have been quite a challenge. Best in Show was won by the magnificent Boris, an apricot poodle. Phil Gardner, operating the microphone superbly for the duration, was accompanied by a crowd of local children jumping and shouting in excitement to open the show – a low key great successful idea. Arena events this year were provided by displays from Northern Sky Falconry from Aysgarth, flying a variety of owls, hawks and falcons with Lindsay Bevan giving a knowledgeable commentary, followed by the Northallerton Encore School of Dance who showcased a display of their routines.

In the tradition of local involvement, visitors enjoyed fancy dress, egg throwing with raw eggs (not fresh!), and sack races. The marquee, housing produce, floral and vegetable displays, arts, crafts and handicrafts and children’s work was well visited. Displays of dahlias this year showed fabulous colours, produce tables were groaning and the art work demonstrated great talent. Vegetable and farmer entries were lower than is customary, a result of the long hot dry weather which has speeded up both the harvest and the vegetable garden. A number of long standing competitors in the vegetable section have now stood down and leave space for younger entrants to come forward to compete in future years. President Mrs Fran Artley presented the trophies at the end of the afternoon.

Feast Day continued into the night, again with a good attendance, live entertainment was provided by The Yum, supported by Freedom Discos. All in all the show proved to be yet another successful Feast, thanks to the hard work and time put in by the many volunteers. Their next meeting is on Tuesday 25th September in Kirkby Fleetham Village Hall when the Fantastic Firework night will be planned. New members are always welcome to join in and bring their ideas.

More information and pictures of the day are available on www.kirkbyfleethamfeast.org