RURAL CELEBRATION

More than 1,000 people visited Bell Meadow in the village.

It is the second time that the event has been organised and once again we were blessed with some wonderful weather which helped to make a truly memorable day.

The organising committee, Bell Meadow Village Association, comprises a group of villagers passionate about their rural heritage. They pooled talents to create a great event.

During the day there were competitions for jam, chutney, flower arranging, cakes. There was huge support from local craftsmen who demonstrated their skills, including thatching and wood turning, plus a wonderful gun dog display by a local team.

Arena events included contests for tug-of-war, wheatsheaf pitching and egg-catching. Other attractions included donkey rides, a coconut shy, a barbecue, beer tent and a pets' corner.

This was then finished off in style by the Thurrock Youth Jazz Orchestra, who performed an evening concert which appealed to all.

The committee who worked so hard to arrange the event are: Mark Durham, Ashley Bird, Ken Rennie, Jacky Bannerman, Ivor Brearley, Darren Durrant and Ken and Linda Brewer.

The committee would like to thank everyone who helped, with a special mention for Colin Warner, who put in a huge amount of time and effort during the weekend.

There were lots of willing volunteers who helped during the weekend - thank you to everyone who came and helped with setting-up, manned the entrance gates and car park and did all the other jobs that needed to be done, as well as those who helped with the clearing up afterwards. It is very much appreciated.

The competitions were well supported again this year - thank you to everyone who entered and well done to all the winners.

Floral Art - Summer Basket: 1 Sue Cumming, 2 Liz Renton, 3 Jenny Cumming Floral Art - Pastel Tints: 1 Ann Maxwell 2 Jane Weedon Cookery Victoria Sponge Cake: 1 Tina Warren, 2 David Renton, 3 Anne Rushton Cookery - Jar of Jam: 1 Jean Markham, 2 June Chandler, 3 Tina Warren Cookery - Jar of Chutney: 1 Gill Brearley, 2 Angela Beighton, 3 Daniel Orford Vegetables - Longest: 1 Eileen Bullen-Bell (cucumber), 2 Pete Warren (marrow), 3 Tim Maxsted (marrow) Vegetables - Heaviest: 1 Pete Letch (marrow), 2 Eileen Bullen-Bell (marrow), 3 Sheila (Onion) Wine: 1 Catriona Wheadon, 2 Lucy Hermon, 3 Catriona Wheadon Rock Cakes (under eight years): 1 George Collins, 2 Lara Durham, 3 Kyra Mumford Rock Cakes (8-16 years): 1 Grace Lucas, 2 Alice Lucas, 3 Elizabeth Rushton Garden In A Seed Tray (under eight years): 1 Kyra Mumford, 2 Charlotte Rushton Garden In A Seed Tray (8-16 years): 1 Ellie Bannerman, 2 James Renton, 3 Alice & Grace Lucas Potato Print (under eight years): 1 Robbie Woolterton, 2 Kyra Mumford, 3 Nellie Mountier Potato Print (8-16 years): 1 Joshua Harvey Tug of War (adults): 1 Queen Victoria Tug of War (children): 1 Woodham Walter Winners - Scarecrow Fancy Dress (under eight years): 1 Archie Smith Scarecrow Fancy Dress (8-16 years): 1= Harriet Warner, Madison Garner, Emily Latham, Felicity Doe 2 Joshua Warner Scarecrow Fancy Dress (adult): 1 Angela Beighton Dog Beauty Contest: 1 Do (black retriever), 2 Irish Wolfhound, 3 Cassie (collie) Wheatsheaf Pitching: Women - 1 Sue; Men - 1 Russell