Community raises thousands at Rogate's '˜wonderful' village fete

More than 1,000 people took part in Rogate's annual village fete this year, which was held on the recreation ground.
Visitors celebrate with a drink                               Picture: DM17627972aVisitors celebrate with a drink                               Picture: DM17627972a
Visitors celebrate with a drink Picture: DM17627972a

The sun shone for the event, which was held on Saturday afternoon.

The village hall hosted the Rogate teas, run by Susie Shepherd-Smith and her team, who worked non stop offering a range of cakes and cream teas. The arena was constantly busy with children’s races, including a parent and child three legged race. This was followed by the dog show, as judged by Julie Sprakling, and singing from the pupils at Rogate School. The Marquee hosted the flower show with Rogate’s vicar Revd Edward Doyle presenting the cups.

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There was also a variety of stalls including bric-a-brac, second hand books, plants and cakes. Visitors wandered around the display of vintage cars from Double LL Club, and watched demonstrations of weaving and spinning, archery, blacksmithing and beekeeping.

Cup winners and organisers                        Picture: DM17627963aCup winners and organisers                        Picture: DM17627963a
Cup winners and organisers Picture: DM17627963a

A huge inflatable slide, 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 were also enjoyed by all.

Visitors had burgers and sausages cooked by the Rogate PTA, Turkish street food from Cara Gorda Cantina, traditional ice creams, crepes, all washed down with beer or Pimms from the bar run by Debs Burles and her team.

Anna Lobbenberg, chair of the Fete Committee, said: “We are thrilled everyone had such a good time. A lot of people have worked very hard to make this a wonderful village celebration. One of the highlights had to be the tug of war, farmers vs the rest of the world! More than £7,000 was raised which will be put to good use in our community and beyond.

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“A huge thank you to the Fete Committee, to the many hard working village volunteers, to the stall holders, to the sponsors who supported us and to the raffle prize donors. See you in 2018!”

Fun at the fete                  Picture: DM17627981aFun at the fete                  Picture: DM17627981a
Fun at the fete Picture: DM17627981a

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Watching the fun at the Rogate village fete                Picture: DM17627975aWatching the fun at the Rogate village fete                Picture: DM17627975a
Watching the fun at the Rogate village fete Picture: DM17627975a

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