Better Fete Than Never

After being cancelled in 2020 and delayed in 2021, Stretton-on-Dunsmore fete made its return and gosh were we glad! Even the famously bleak British weather held out for a sunny Saturday in September so that the Bilton Silver (Rugby) Band members could de-jacket and get their elbows tanned. Although the band members were disappointed to see that the hog-roast wasn’t in attendance (I’m sure the designated pig in question was happier by the absence), it didn’t detract from their excitement to be back out and performing for the locals of this quaint English village. Hopefully the locals enjoyed it too – it certainly looked like they did. There were the usual (and always busy) dog competitions, followed by the fiercely competitive egg-throwing challenge (where the losers quite literally got egg on their face!).

The small streets of Stretton always look busy when the fete is on, but maybe even more so than usual this year, with everyone pining over the lost time and their eagerness to mingle. The band was also out in force with 25 players and Musical Director, Tony Hodgetts at the helm. Playing a variety of classical crowd pleasers over two 20-minute sets, broken up by only enough time for the band to make a quick dash over to The Oak and The Black Dog to check that their beer pumps were still working….they were!

It wouldn’t be the same without Stretton fete in our calendar and I’ve been re-assured that the fete wouldn’t be the same without Bilton Silver band in theirs. It’s fabulous when a relationship works two ways. I believe that the band has already been reserved for next year, and the next, and the next…