MORE than 1,000 residents and visitors enjoyed Rogate Summer Fete in last Saturday’s sunshine.
And this year’s record turnout saw the popular annual fete raise more than £7,000 for village causes.
Fete committee chairman Anna Lobbenberg said: “After a week of wind and rain we were very relieved the sun shone for the annual village fete at the bunting strewn recreation ground.
“A lot of people worked very hard to make this a wonderful celebration, and we were thrilled everyone had such a good time.
“One of the highlights had to be the tug of war, farmers against the rest of the world.”
The village hall hosted the popular Rogate teas, courtesy of Susie Shepherd-Smith and her team who worked non-stop offering a delicious range of cakes and cream teas.
Anna said: “They were really enjoyed, and many people went back for seconds.”
The arena was busy with popular children’s races, including a parent and child three legged race, followed by a dog show judged by Julie Sprakling, then singing by pupils from the village’s school.
In the fete marquee, Rogate vicar the Rev Edward Doyle presented cups for the well supported flower show.
There were also traditional stalls, such as bric-a-brac, second hand books, plants and a cake stall.
Visitors also enjoyed well presented vintage cars from the Double LL Club, demonstrations of weaving and spinning, archery, blacksmithing and beekeeping.
There was also an inflatable slide, a bouncy castle, jousting, face painting, nails and tattoos, cupcake decorating, chuck-an-egg, nerf gun alley, paint balling, craft corner, marble game, coconut shy, Professor Potty, donkey rides and the human fruit machine.
Anna added: “There were also delicious burgers and sausages cooked by the school’s parent and teachers association. There was also Turkish street food, traditional ice creams and crepes, which could all be washed down with beer or Pimms from the bar run by Debs Burles and her team.
“A huge thank you to the committee, to the many hard working volunteers, to the stall holders, and the sponsors who supported us and to the raffle prize donors.”