Feast of fun and entertainment (From Ilkley Gazette)

Ben Rhydding fete is fun-filled family occasion

9:54am Thursday 24th June 2010 in News By Sue Boerrigter

A chilly but dry start to the afternoon, saw Bolling Road field bussing last Saturday when the the fifth Ben Rhydding Community Féte provided a fun-filled family occasion.

After a welcome from organiser Karen Palframan, the event was officially opened jointly by Councillor Heathcliffe Bowen, vice-chairman of Ilkley Parish Council and Rebecca Munro, eight, a pupil at Ben Rhydding Primary School and winner of the competition for the front cover of the féte programme.

The theme this year was anniversaries, with the Ben Rhydding Playgroup celebrating its 40th and the Wheatley Arms itse first after re-opening last summer.

A variety of demonstrations, entertainments, games, tom-bolas, face-painting and stalls selling everything from plants and cards to books and bric-a-brac, meant there was something for all ages.

Children from the Wright Theatre Arts Dance Academy danced to songs from Thriller, the Joze School of Dance performed a medley from Grease and along with their instructors, young members of the Ilkley Karate Club gave highly-skilled demonstrations of martial arts.

Between these activities, music was provided by a local jazz band and the swing band, Timeless. The Parent Teacher Assoc-iation (PTA) of Ben Rhydding Primary School hosted a flower and produce show and Ilkley Community Transport took along a minibus to advertise their services.

There was plenty for the tastebuds too. A barbecue with burgers and hot dogs was raising money for a school and orphanage in Matugga, Uganda.

Other refreshments included afternoon teas, a beer tent run by the Save Us Pub group and Brian Gregory, former vicar of St. John’s Ben Rhydding, selling his home-made Welsh cakes for the Friendship Foundation (UK-Romania) which helps orphans in Romania. Mrs Palframan said: “As always, we are grateful to the many volunteers who give their time to assist with the running of the féte, not least to the local Cub and Guide leaders.

“We had a great turn-out which has made the event another wonderful success.”

For inquiries, or to register interest in next year’s event, e-mail karen@benrhyddingfete.co.uk.