Villages' celebration brings communities together

The event was put together to celebrate the new relationship between the three villages, which has come about as part of the process of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan.

Activities took place across Saturday and Sunday, on Walberton Playing Fields and in Walberton Village Hall.

Suzanne Clark, vice chairman of Walberton Parish Council and chairman of Walberton, Binsted and Fontwell Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “Saturday began full of sunshine and promise. People from our all of our villages arrived at Playing Fields with offers of muscle for gazebo building, cakes, raffle prizes and a helping hand with stalls for the afternoon fête.”

Toby Hewson from the charity Just Different Charity officially opened the fête and a guest appearance from Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert added to the festivities.

There were lots of stalls, including some from local organisations, and plenty for the children.

Suzanne said: “One young boy won a big teddy bear but his sister missed out. She was very disappointed but not for long as a couple who had also won a big teddy generously gave it to her.”

Classic cars, motor bikes, Lambrettas and a Green Goddess were on display during the afternoon and Willie Austin played with his band in the evening.

The good weather continued on Sunday, when a combined church service was held at the village hall.

A bring-your-own picnic followed, with the opportunity to take part in family sports.

Suzanne said there were sports for everyone, including new age kurling, which meant the less able-bodied could be involved.

She added: “This weekend truly has been proof that our villages are our parish and without our parishioners it would not be Walberton, Binsted and Fontwell.

“People came together, worked extremely hard and had a fantastic time along the way, some seeing faces that they haven’t seen for some time.

“Walbinfont has this weekend raised funds for the Sussex Snowdrop Trust and the POP (Protect Our Parish) Fund, two extremely worthwhile causes, but there has also been the added bonus of communities coming together in our villages, and that is priceless.”

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