Christleton Village Fete

Christleton Fetes have been one of the best established traditions of the Village since the first Fete, arranged by Canon Rev. Lionel Garnett was held in 1875. It was good to be back on track after the two years covid19 break, thanks to the efforts of Dawn Sturgess and the Fete Committee. The theme was “The Circus” and the parade led by the Wirral Pipe Band set off from the middle of the Village to the Primary School Field. The procession included the 2022 Rose Queen Christina Mills and her retinue; Olivia Egan, Livvy Angrave, Lucia McDaid, Evelyn McInerney, Izzy Platt, Eleanor Nicholson and Harriet Morris-Jones. Isaac Betteridge, Finlay McDaid, Harry Nicholson and Alexander Craft were the page boys. The field was set out in the traditional pattern, with stalls and activities around the perimeter, and the stage, a hay wagon, at the head of the field underneath the wonderful lime tree.

Due to historic issues of covid19, there was no retiring Rose Queen this year, so the Rose Queen and retinue sat on the stage in the same style as can be seen in over 100 years of Fete photographs. Compere James Pownall welcomed everyone onto the field, and then introduced Chris Matheson MP, the guest of honour. The popular Chester MP spoke about the things we have missed in the last two years and was delighted to welcome everyone back to our traditional Fete. He said many kind words of introduction and thanks before crowning our 2022 Rose Queen Christina Mills. Christina made a delightful speech about the traditions of the Fete. The Fete then declared open.

The Fancy Dress Competition was judged by Chris Matteson whilst The Wirral Pipe Band played. The Band a regular fixture at the Fete, was formed in 1973. It provides sound instruction in piping and drumming, and encourages everyone to play to the best of their ability and to enjoy playing as a team. They entertain at many different events, fetes and carnivals, weddings, Burns Nights, St Andrew’s and New Years eve, and most poignantly on Remembrance Days. After an excellent slot playing in the arena, they marched off to loud applause from a large gathering of villagers assembled around the field. The younger children were entertained by Marissa, who produced streams of large bubbles from various devices in the centre of the area. This was particularly enjoyable for the youngest members of the community. There were lots of stalls on offer around the perimeter of the field, which by the middle of the afternoon had attracted a very large audience.

Music was provided by The Clockmakers, for a longer session than planned, as one of the booked entertainers had issues with her computer. The main Raffle took place at 4.00pm with lots of exciting prizes on offer. As is usual these days the Christleton Village Fete needs sponsors to help fund the event, and the Fete Committee are grateful to; Christleton Pre-School, Ring O Bells Christleton, Spitting Feathers Chester, Abbey Gate College, Clay & Rock, CNS Business IT Support Services etc. for their most generous sponsorship, in 2022. Congratulations to all concerned for an excellent Fete.