THE 1950s-themed annual summer fete at St Mary’s church, Hemyock, on Saturday was a great success raising more than £1,377.

The event in the church and churchyard was opened by John Northam, a schoolboy at the local primary school and a member of Hemyock Cubs in the 1950s. He, like a number of other people who attended, dressed in the fashion of the era, with several ladies wearing netted petticoats, bobby socks and Capri pants. Coloured bunting decked the churchyard while inside the church were large posters of coffee bars, cars, phone booth and similar – think of the television programme Happy Days!

And while The Fonz from that show did not attend, Audrey Hepburn – aka Louise Dalton – did, along with her Austin Healey Frog Nose Sprite 1959 car and husband Giles as acting mechanic. Opposite them was a 1955 Morris Minor owned by Roy Calcraft – both vehicles drew much attention.

Throughout the afternoon music from the 1950s was enjoyed while the usual assortment of stalls and games found at a village fete did a brisk trade. Seating for cream teas could be found inside and outside the church, and the teas proved to be so popular they ran out before the event ended.

During the afternoon brave folk took part in shapely ankles and knobbly knees competitions, causing much laughter. John and Louise did the judging, and the winners were Jenny Parsons and Richard King.

Organiser David Bawler, a churchwarden at St Mary’s, said: “This was the first time we had held our fete at the church and it was a great community occasion.

“We were delighted with the response and very favourable comments made by those who attended. We welcomed many new faces as well as those who have supported the event over many years and thank everyone for their generosity to stallholders.

“St Mary’s looks forward to welcoming people to our harvest festival in late September and meeting our new rector in October.”

CONTRIBUTED