Wistaston Village Fete attracts hundreds despite rain

By Jonathan White
Wistaston Village Fete attracted hundreds of people, despite it being held indoors for only the second time in its 32-year history.

Rain forced the event organised by Wistaston Community Council indoors – but there was plenty of entertainment for the crowds.

It took place in the grounds of St Mary’s Church and in and around the church hall on Church Lane.

A procession from Wistaston Memorial Hall featured bagpiper Reg Flower, the 35th South West Cheshire Scout group, last year’s Wistaston Rose Queen Sophie Webb in a vintage car and this year’s Wistaston Rose Queen Daisy Wybrow and attendant Emma Bishop in a sports car.

The fete was officially opened by Helen Jones, daughter of Wistonian of the Year Sheena Sambrook and Rev Ken Sambrook.

Wistaston Rose Queen Daisy was then crowned by Rev Mike Turnbull, vicar of the church.

There were performances by Reg Flower, of the Cheshire Pipe Band and the Dee Sign Choir

There was a Jubilee flower festival in the church featuring flower arrangements and displays by Di Carter, Jenny Shirt and others, along with a donation box for the Vestry Roof Repair Fund to replace stolen lead from the church.

On the church hall stage there were performances by Zumba fitness, a rhythmic display from the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sports and Arts  , Caroline’s Street Dancing and Chris White on the ukulele.

There were more than 25 stalls representing local organisations and charities in the church hall and on the grassy area in front of it. Refreshments were servedin the hall.

Deputy Mayor of Cheshire East Council Cllr Dorothy Flude was special guest and was shown around by Dane Chaplow and Geoff Armitage, of Wistaston Community Council.

Admission was by donation and proceeds from the door receipts and Wistaston Community Council stalls will go towards other village events, such as the flower and produce show, spring and Christmas concerts, and the November fireworks display.

Dane Chaplow, chairman, Wistaston Community Council, said: “Despite the weather and the last minute changes we had an excellent turnout.

“Wistonians have once again turned out in big numbers to support the fete. We hope lots of money is raised for the Wistaston Community Council and local charities. Once again Rev Mike Turnbull and his church have been very supportive.”

(Pics by Jonathan White)