Rain fails to dampen Westoe Village fete
Crowds turn out in thunderstorm
I took a couple of hours away from the shop with “Missy” and decided to walk up to Westoe Village, South Shields for their annual village fete (I’m always on the lookout for new material for South Shields Daily Photo). The sky was looking threatening before we set off, an umberella in each hand and camera hidden under jacket and as we reached the South Shields and Westoe Club just after mid-day the fete was announced with claps of thunder and we were soon under heavy rain.
We were quite surprised at the very large crowds of people who were not put off by the dark skies, this must be a credit to the organisers of this annual event in the Georgian surroundings of the lovely old village. Scores of stalls graced the tree lined street and entertainment was provided by the Living Waters Youth Band, the Westoe Brass band, the Harton Harmonisers, and the South Tyneside Pipes and Drums. We were not able to stay all afternoon so I’m unsure if all of the entertainment took place in such terrible conditions.
It is likely that a substantial amount of cash will be raised for local charitable causes, despite the heavy downpour, “Missy Curly” enjoyed herself and met a number of school friends and I bumped into a number of our neighbours. Local Independent councillor Jane Branley was on hand selling bric-a-brac for charity, when she wasn’t dodging in and out of the rain to grab a well earned cuppa, it’s efforts like these which sustain her popularity throughout her ward.
I was surprised to see no other members of South Tyneside Council supporting this community organised event, which is evidently popular with the public (that doesn’t mean they weren’t there, I just didn’t see them), but a strong turnout would certainly give the organisers a much needed fillip on a day like today.
Let’s hope they see some sunshine next year.
[...] The annual Westoe Village fete in South Shields on Saturday 23rd. June attracted huge crowds despite taking place in the midst of a thunderstorm. You can read the full story – here. [...]
Big hats! « South Shields Daily Photo
June 24, 2007 at 12:02 am
NO VOTES, NO SEATS, NO PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES, NO SPIN AND PROBABLY NO BUNS!
Hardly surprising then that Cllr. Iain Malcolm and his cronies couldn’t be bothered turning up. However, you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll be out in force during the Summer Festival. After all there’s plenty of electioneering opportunities (probably disguised as council press releases) not least for Cllrs. Wood and Waggott! You never know they might even let Cllrs. Anglin and McMillan in on the act, especially as they are now all the best of ‘mates’ allegedly!
Oh yes and there’s free food and drink for councillors and their families every weekend, paid for by us of course and what better way to kick off the summer than a good old knees up at the Town Hall for councillors, their families, friends and invited guests. Hardly surprising then that they need a summer recess!
EVERYTHING TASTES SO MUCH BETTER WHEN YOU’RE NOT PAYING FOR IT!
Ahmed Khan
June 24, 2007 at 8:45 am
I popped in yesterday but you must have been busy, (no sign of you either) the buns were rather soggy.
curly15
June 24, 2007 at 11:02 am
Spent most of the day in the ‘back office’ which is where I seem to be spending more and more time. I did manage to pay a brief visit to the fete with my daughter late yesterday afternoon. We make a point of going each year come rain or shine mainly for the cakes! We had to admire the spirit and reliance of the organisers, volunteers and visitors and let’s hope they made loads of money for worthwhile causes.
Sorry I missed you yesterday but next time you pop in if I’m not in the showroom just ask one of my colleagues if I’m around.
Ahmed Khan
June 24, 2007 at 12:16 pm