“I DIDN’T know they still held fetes like this,” was the delighted reaction of a visitor to Holcombe Rogus Village Fete, which took place on Saturday on the lawns of Holcombe Court.

The fete boasts ’the best setting in the West’ and it’s a perennial magnet for many hundreds of people. Judging by the bursting car park, this year’s event was no exception.

The weather was fine, Tiverton Town Band played and children from The Valley partnership of schools country-danced. Apart from the usual stalls and the bargain cream teas, there was a bumper crop of children’s games, ’Jim’s Pimms’ – the fete’s newest thirst-quenching attraction – and some beautiful craftwork created, and donated, by Hannelore Sellick from Bridgwater.

The fete also provides a rare chance to see Holcombe Court’s gardens.

Fete organiser John McIlwain said: “It’s lovely to see so many people having a great time. We’re indebted to Nigel Wiggins, the owner of the Court, for letting us all enjoy this marvellous place. It makes a big difference to the financial outcome.”

John added that All Saints, Holcombe’s parish church, costs £30,000 a year to run and that the fete plays a vital part in helping meet this target. “Early figures suggest this year’s effort has raised the terrific total of about £6,000,” he said. “My thanks go out to everyone who helped make it a roaring success.”

PHOTOS: Fran Stothard (more in the paper!)