Aldbrough St. John’s annual Feast began on Saturday with the Scarecrows on the theme of ‘myths and legends’.  The joint winners were excellent (a Minotaur from Sally Hilder and grandchildren and a detailed Egyptian mummy scene by Harry & Sue Reah). 

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The traditional produce and craft show followed. Although it had not been the best year for weather and classes were not generally as strong as some years, Becky Fenwick showed some fine produce to win the overall points trophy in the horticultural section.  The winner for the best flower arrangement was Rachel Connolly and the salver for the best entry in the home produce classes went to Kate Stone for her offering of an apple and sultana cake.  This year’s Men’s baking class went to Nick Langan whose three cheese scones the judge commented had an “outstanding light & fluffy texture”.  The children’s classes included some different themes and each child who entered was given a balloon.  Particularly colourful were the entries for the knitted and stitched items reflecting hours of talented creativity. 

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The Mithril Brewery open day tempted visitors with a tasting of real ales in the afternoon, and that evening the village hall was packed to capacity for a family quiz session with pie and peas.  Memories and general knowledge were tested with a range of well-chosen questions.  The team coming out on top was made up of the Taits, Sutherlands, Langans and Sue Martin.

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The Feast continued on Sunday with a car boot sale, welly-wanging (won by Harvey Slack, second was Tom Saunders) and the famous duck race on the village beck. In the afternoon the Tour of Aldbrough cycling time trial, supported by Bike Stop Darlington, attracted a bumper entry of adults and children.  The children all received finisher’s medals and a number won class trophies. The Yellow Jersey for the overall winner went to Lee Kermode from Eppleby who set a blisteringly fast time.  The Ladies class trophy winner was again Diane Wilson.  The Yellow Jersey for the Juniors’ overall winner went to Theo Copestake.  At 6pm an outdoor Songs of Praise was held in the sunshine and later a couples/mixed pairs darts tournament in The Stanwick, won by Peter Brown and Sue Martin, brought the day to an enjoyable conclusion. 

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The highlight for some is Monday’s gymkhana and show jumping events with entries from around the area. That evening the two-day Fun Fair opened its rides and diversions. 

 

Tuesday schedules entertainment for the children.  Their treasure hunt was won by the Sandhu children, the sports races had many individual winners but the first prize trophy went to Amy Simpson, and the fun dog race was won by Widget the whippet.  On Wednesday there was a rounders match enjoyed by around 30 players of all ages.  In the evening there was a handicap quoits competition which attracted an entry of 16 half of which were new to the game.  In the final, despite the handicap deficit, Peter Brown kept his good form and defeated Arnold Banks.

 

A cream tea with a table quiz was held in the village hall on Thursday afternoon and was enjoyed by the many who attended.  That evening a car treasure hunt was won by the Spenceley Speeders who were then drawn out of the hat to organise next year’s event.

 

The busy week concluded on Friday with live music on the village green at the Aldbrough Feast Festival, which featured The Yum from Leeds and local favourites No Refund.  Over 200 braved the cool, breezy weather to enjoy the music and atmosphere into the night.  An enjoyable end to another successful Feast.

 

Many thanks to those who organised and helped on events, and to those who donated raffle prizes, trophies and money to support the Feast Festival.

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