...........As outgoing chair I would like to say what a privilege it has been to be involved in Berden Fete for the last two years.

This year two things have struck me.  Firstly, how splendid it was to see stalls manned (or womanned) by those in their teens and twenties who, as children, found the Fete a high spot in the Berden calendar. The second was the team spirit in the village.  This came into play when at 12.45, just before the gate was due to open, we discovered that the outside team who were going to run the car park this year couldn’t make it due to last minute problems. Berdenites swapped manning their stalls for car park duties, changed between stalls, new helpers stepped into the breach and no-one noticed the frantic paddling underneath the ‘stately swan’ of Berden Fete. There was no suggestion of ‘ I only do stall x’; ‘ its not my responsibility’; but rather a common focus on solving the problem. It is this kind of team spirit and enthusiasm that makes Berden a special place and Berden Fete a special event.

It is also a unique event because of its location in Bob and Thelma’s beautiful gardens; a very sincere thank you to them for hosting the Fete again this year.

Thanks to go to all of you who devoted time beforehand and on the day to collect donations, organise prizes, contribute to and man stalls, sell grand draw tickets, provide printing services, supply refreshments, arrange loos and produce a delicious post fete lunch.  I have to say I was (yet again) impressed with the physical stamina of the set up and take down teams whose contribution is as vital as anyone’s, though perhaps less visible. Who needs a gym in Berden! Thanks to go to those who provided transport.

Grand Draw Supremo - This year Stephen Griffiths sold a record £600 of Grand Draw tickets.  This is an incredible achievement given the economic situation and because he has retired from the Bank where he could twist many arms.  Perhaps next year he could give some of us tips !  Well done Stephen.

From early in the year the committee swung into action, starting gently and becoming increasingly busy until the final gallop towards the great day. For all their time, effort, inventiveness and sheer hard work, my sincere thanks go to Sue Bates, Martin Benjamin, Kim Dunn, Stephen Griffiths, Jan Hunter, Nick Lawler, Deborah Patrick and Rob Talks.

Although it is not yet possible to produce the final figures, we raised in the region of an incredible £10,000

Mary Nelson, Chairman and the Fete Committee