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MORE than 500 people turned out to take part and support Hunton fete. Traditional games, live music and wonderful
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Fun and games for all at annual village fete A nature quiz in the orchard also formed part
of the afternoon’s entertainment on June 16. Target bowls, archery, putting and car racing,
food were among the attractions at the King George V playing field, along with pony rides, duck fishing, and a dog show. The adults did not shirk either, taking part in
games including the tug-of-war tournament and sack race (pictured), washed down, for many, by a well-earned glass of Pimms. The fete, a long-term village fixture, was re-
launched five years ago by the current fete committee in amore traditional format.
a coconut shy, penalty shoot-out and bouncy castle were among the other crowd-pleasers. Hunton’s Helen Ward said: “The plant stall
again proved popular and therewas a constant queue at the barbecue, Indian snacks, straw- berries and ice-cream stands. Local honey was on sale and we had a demonstration by wool spinners, a stall from the Kent Air Ambulance and children’s characters Froojamaflip and Fred as they wandered around the grounds.”
Custard pie throwers in world class of their own
ANIMPRESSIVE 32 teams lined up for the traditional “shoot-out” at the 51stWorld Custard Pie Championship in Coxheath. With a crowd of several hundred
gathered on a sunny afternoon on the recreation ground towitness the fight, entries included four teams fromJapan. Butwhile one of the international
sides – team Do You Like Sushi? – made it through to the finals, they were no match for local team Pie Face (pictured),withOliverWhelan and friends Rob Cox, Steve Dunn and James Pyke taking the trophy. Oliver, who teaches at Strood
Academy, and his colleagues, who were dressed as Bierkeller charac- ters,was keen to boast of theirwell- deserved victory. Hiswife’s teamlast yearwon the
best-dressed contest. Chloe Whelan said: “Oliver was
put out thatwewon a prize last year and couldn’t wait to gloat about having become a world champion this time around, particularly as he had to get a teamtogether at the last minute.” The couple, who live in Linden Road, promise to up their game for
next year. Chloe, who was in the KatieCreams team, said: “It’s a fan- tastic event, such fun, and we are pretty chuffed that our household holds aworld champion title. “We’re already in training for next
year.” The best dressed team for 2018
was the Piebots. OrganiserMike Fitzgerald said: “I
keep hoping someone will take up the reins and run it, but this year was probably our best event yet. It’s all done in such a lovely spirit – and we were blessed with good weather.” In 2017, the event raised £3,000 for
Children in Need. This year, the local Scouts, football club and vil- lage hallwill benefit.
Country issues on the agenda
FARMERS with questions about the challenges facing their industry are invited to put themto the coun- try’s ruralminister in Yalding. Maidstone and The Weald MP
Helen Grant has secured the atten- dance of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs minister George Eustice and Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, at a rural business forum on Thursday, July 12. The MP and commissioner will
be at Kenward House to answer questions about the industry, post- Brexit, and contryside crime. Mrs Grant said: “As the uncer-
tainties of the Brexit process move along, the impact upon farming and the rural economy is a major issue here in Kent. “Rural communities also face
some unique challenges fromcrim- inal gangs and individuals and I want to provide an opportunity for our people to hear from those in charge and air their views and questions.” Entry to the event, from 12.30-
3.30pm, is free, but guests are in- vited to offer something for a raffle in aid of Kenward House. Places are limited. For tickets or
to offer a raffle prize callKatyAllen on 020 7219 7107 or email
katy.allen@
parliament.uk.
Marching band joins in to honourArmed Forces
THE public joinedmilitary person- nel and Legion veterans in Maid- stone on June 25 to mark Armed ForcesDay,with a flag-raising cer- emony outside CountyHall. A marching band, made up of
members of the county’s various Air Cadet squadrons, played as those attending were welcomed byKentCountyCouncil chairman Mike Angell. He told those gath- ered: “Our forces are on opera- tions in 30 countries worldwide andwe, therefore,wish themwell
8 Maidstone Weald July 2018
and always a safe journey home. “It is a pleasure to engage the
Air Cadet Band, and they remind us of the 100-year anniversary of the Royal Air Force. It gives me great pleasure to hoist the flag to celebrateArmed Forces Day.” The county council has signed a
covenant with the Armed Forces to actively help and support past and present troops and their fam- ilies. Its efforts so far have earned it a silverArmed Forces Covenant Award.
Mike Angellmakes his Armed Forces Day speech, flanked by representa- tives of the Royal British Legion
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