THERE is a saying "if it's not broken — don't mend it." With successful Tregadillett Fun Days in the past, there was no need to change its format for this year. With the sight of children racing around, having fun and laughing, the Fun Day truly lived up to its reputation.
In reality, it was so much more than that — catering for all ages. It would not have been done without the tremendous help and support of the whole community. This fun element was much in prominence from first thing in the morning to the end of the day.
Local councillor Adam Paynter declared the event open and he congratulated everyone on being involved. He praised the community on what they had achieved, especially the funds raised from fun days in previous years. A full programme of events took place in the Community Hall and the play area.
The weather was just about right. A lot of preparation had been done on previous days, and the odd shower on the day itself, did not make much difference.
Rev Tony Cox and his wife Elaine judged the display competitions held in the hall. The prize-winners were: Painted plate, under eight — Cathryn Nuta; Over eight — Alina Nuta; Adult — Joy Goddard. Decorated milk bottle, under eight — Georgia Hill; Over eight — Robert Maynard; Adult — Sheena Davey. Vegetable animal, under eight — Georgia Hill; Over eight — Chloe Leverton. Flower arrangement, open — Ann Wainwright.
In the play area, the first competition was the penalty shoot, and the prize winners were: Under 7 — Bethany Bell; Under 9 — Connor Jackson; Under 11 — Morgan Hoskin; Under 13 — Cory Jackson; Under 15 — Toby Hocking.
Taking place at the same time were some races for the children. Prize winners were: Under 5 — Callum Hill; Egg and spoon, under 8 — Georgia Hill; Over 8 — Millie Boardman. Three legged race, under 8 —Charlotte and Cathryn Nuta; Over 8 — Alina Nuta and Millie Boardman.
It was good to welcome Launceston Junior Town Band with Ann Brown (conductor), who played a wide variety of tunes in two sessions, and were greatly enjoyed. The 60 strong choir from St Catherine's School sang songs with an Abba theme. They were introduced by two senior girls and both the choir and the soloists were greatly appreciated.
Tregadillett School, under the direction of Mary Dolan, headteacher, and her staff, gave three dance routines, full of energy and enthusiasm. This probably explains to mums why their children are hungry when they come home from school!
SACK RACE
After that, two more children's races took place. The winners were, sack race, under 8 — Josh Rundle; Over 8 — Callum McDonald and Connor Jackson.
The tug of war was a challenge between boys and girls. Unfortunately for the girls, even with the aid of a few mums, they were outclassed by sheer numbers — about 30 boys versus 20 girls — but it was fun!
The concluding event in the play area was the now famous ducking stool, with Carl Jeffery as safety officer in the pool ready for mishaps. Thankfully there weren't any. Once again a large sum of money was raised with all those taking part being sponsored. To finish, a mass jump in by children, again under the safety instructor, brought the final splash. A lucky dip, a marked golf ball lying in the bottom, was found by Daniel Pike.
Many other events were also taking place, such as the traditional coconut shy, football and golf target, smashing the crock (under the control of the Parish family). Prize winners in the skittles: Men — Adam Paynter; Women — Paula Stagg; Boys — Robert Maynard; Girls — Kelly Jackson.
Displays of vintage vehicles and engines, fair ground rides and a wonderful fairground organ, helped to add to the overall scene. The 'Funky ferret' racing machine, under the direction of Trevor Rossiter, ran all day and was very successful. It must be stated no animals were injured in any way. Prize winners were: Under 10 — Millie Boardman; Ten to 15 years — Alex Marcelo; Adult — Tony Sillifant.
Also an innovation this year was 'Silly Sums' wrestling. Two grand challenge matches took place — both keenly contested. Clive McDonald and Carl Jeffery were the first pair, and it was quite a contest, with much cheering, shouting and laughter. The second contest was between Julie McDonald and Matt Reynolds, who eventually won, but it took all his muscles from his building work to do it.
Guessing the weight of Terry Finnimore's Friesian bullock brought a wide variety of answers. His weight was 937 kilos and the prize was won by Liz Doyle.
PAINTING
A silent auction of a wide variety of items took place in the hall. The most keenly sought item, a painting by local artist, Tom Robbins, of Launceston Castle, stays in the parish as it was bought by Les and Margaret Baker.
John Hancock and his organ provided enjoyable music in the hall all afternoon. Also in the hall was a sweet stall, but the main activity of things for sale was in the main marquee with white elephant, plants, books, the raffle, tombola and many other competitions. There were also many other competitions going on all around the place.
Food was an essential part of the scene. The barbecue did great business and sold out well before the end of the day. In the hall cream teas were served. A lot of home cooking was on offer and sales this year were good. The cake stall also did good trade and was also sold out before the end of the day.
The variety concert in the evening concluded the day's events. With the hall completely full, the audience enjoyed a memorable event. Opening the programme were four young girls — Lisa, Lydi, Chelsea and Charlotte — and as their stage name 'Dancing Queen' suggests, they did three songs in an 'Abba' tribute. A big round of applause was evidence of the appreciation of the audience.
The next artist, saw the welcome return of Toddy Irving, accompanied by Roy Bounsall. Toddy, in her very own style, gave some Joyce Grenfell and Cyril Fletcher monologues. She concluded with two old time music hall songs. Again returning this way was Bridget West, from Wadebridge, who sang a duet with Pam Gynn and several solos, ranging from classical to a temperature raising version of 'Big Spender'. She was accompanied by Roy Bounsall.
Concluding the first half was Tregadillett's own comedy act, 'The Planks'. After their success last year, John Andrew and Ivor Davey proved that as builders they would probably be unemployed.
The second half commenced with the Master of Ceremonies, Terry Jones, reading a poem from the recent publication of photos and poems by Chris Robbins and Clive Blake. The next item was a display of organ and keyboard perfection by Steve Cameron who then played an introduction for John and Ivor's next presentation, as two local farmers, with Rosie the 'cow' (Billie-Jo Andrew). Not only did this cow produce milk in cartons, but also Cadburys Roses chocolates.
The next item may have had long term repercussions. Bridget West was joined by five other ladies from Wadebridge who did an exotic 'Eastern' dance routine. Singing a group of long-time favourites came the Homeleigh Garden Centre Choir, with Gordon Maunder at the organ. They finished a great performance with 'Trelawny' with the audience joining in.
Concluding the concert came Steve Cameron again, who showed the versatility of the organ to its fullest
potential.
PROFIT
Preliminary indications are that the financial result will be somewhere near last year's profit of £3,000. This again will be used in the village and around the parish.
Following on from the very successful Fun Day, a
community service was held in the church. Rev David Michaels led the service with Roy Bounsall at the organ. Most of the music was
provided by Ray Prout and his group who led the congregation in their singing.
Various local organisations took part. Joyce Helson, on behalf of Age Concern read a lesson, as did Jonathan Reynolds on behalf of the Football Club, and also Dorothy Davey on behalf of the church. The pre-school group did a song with the help of Elaine Cox, and Mary Dolan and some of her school children gave two items.
Rev David Michaels interacted the whole service, which was about the different age groups in the community. This was followed by a lunch for Christian Aid funds in the hall.
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