THE annual St Minver Church Fete was held on Wednesday, August 15 on the cricket field by kind permission of the cricket club.

While researching for the recently produced ‘Church Stories’ booklet, it was discovered that the first recorded St Minver Church Fete was in 1894 and was held in the St Minver vicarage garden!

It is not known if it was continuous, perhaps during the war years it was less likely, but long established locals tell that there has certainly been a fete since the 1950s.

So when they say that they have a traditional fete, it is both traditional in style and is a tradition!

Although this fete is called the church fete, and it does indeed raise funds for the churches of the St Minver parish, it is a real community event and the community rally to keep the tradition going, welcoming visitors from far and wide to join in and become part of our community for the day.

This year’s event was opened by John Drayson, who has a long history of involvement with the fete.

It was an afternoon of fun and laughter for many folk. The St Minver band played beautifully to entertain and add to the jolly atmosphere.

Balls were hurled at coconuts and skittles and at the target for the one and only ‘orange bomber’. ‘Rats’ were splattered, wellies wanged and, as for the ‘human fruit machine’, well what laughter!

There were all sorts of crafts to buy — cakes, jams and plants to purchase, books, bottles and bargains, raffle prizes to win and all washed down with tea and wonderful home made cakes.

Thanks were expressed to a great many people without whose hard work before, during and after the day, this fete would not happen. Also thanks to many local businesses who support the fete with their generosity.

Over £3,000 was raised for the three churches of St Minver, St Enodoc and St Michaels.