The St Leonards and St Ives ‘Sunday Funday’ took place on Sunday 8th June on Braeside Road Recreation Park. The weather was fine, and it was very well attended, especially after the atrocious weather the day before. Another name for the event could be the ‘Village Fete’ as it is a celebration and social gathering for all our local residents. This is an event that is fairly young in comparison to other villages. It started as a jubilee fete just a few years ago and is now a regular annual fixture.
Firstly, it should be made known that this is an event that is organized and managed by the Village Hall Committee. It is sponsored by a local estate agent, Hearnes, and also by the Parish Council. The Village Hall only has a small committee of a handful of energetic and committed volunteers. They always need more people, so if you are interested, please contact them. stleonardshall@hotmail.co.uk.
As with all events of this nature, planning for it starts immediately after the last one finishes. Booking the entertainment, stalls, food, and visiting groups must be done early and quickly, otherwise they will be booked up elsewhere.
There is always an incredible amount of organisation that takes place behind the scenes. Where do you place the stalls, where does the power come from, do we have enough chairs, and what happens if it rains? This year, the bouncy castle had to be cancelled at the last moment because of high winds forecast. That left a void that had to be filled quickly.
Setting up on the day started at about 9 am. Almost immediately, the whole village hall, recreation ground, and the car park were a hive of activity. Gazebos are being erected, chairs and tables transported on sack trucks, power cables laid, and various cars, vans, and trailers parked in the right place. By 12pm it was all set up and ready to go.
The bubble man started by making huge bubbles over 6ft tall, and then gave his audience their own bowls of bubble liquid and rope wands to make their own bubbles.
Some very old, shiny, and well-kept vintage cars attracted lots of visitors. People either reminisced on a car they used to have or one they would like to have had.
There was a stall operated by ‘The Friends of Braeside Park’. This is a group of residents whose aim is to keep and promote Braeside Park as a friendly and welcoming place for all residents. They gave away pens and doggy poo bags and sold tickets for a tombola of donated gifts, all funds raised going to Waggy Tales.
Live music was provided outside by local singer/songwriter Amie Knight and the band of the Royal British Legion Christchurch, who played a medley of old and new songs. Inside, live music was provided by local pianist and WI Choirmaster Sue Desborough.
If you were hungry, there was hot and cold food in abundance. Burgers, chips, sweets, ice-cream, cake, sandwiches, and cups of tea. A Pimm’s tent saw a steady stream of visitors.
In the Village Hall was a stand selling donated plants for charity. There were stands selling jewelry, nicknacks, small ornaments, pictures, and a raft of other hand-crafted items and trinkets. All were very interesting, and we saw a constant stream of visitors perusing the goods on offer. The small annex hall was a more sedate venue for tea, cake, and sandwiches. It was quite a haven of peace. Somewhere to take a quiet rest away from all the other activities.
At 4 pm, the crowds started to disperse, and the clear-up started. Reverse journeys took place to put the chairs, tables, gazebos, and other paraphernalia away. Cables were coiled up, signs removed, and litter picked up. After a long day, this required quite an effort. But within a short space of time, all the rubbish had been cleared, and everything was back in its place. As the last cars left the site, you could be forgiven for thinking nothing had taken place.
The Village Hall committee would like to thank all who attended and all who volunteered their time to make this such a special and successful day.
Proceeds generated by the event will be used by the Village Hall to help with the services they provide.
