The Henfield Village Fayre and Show on Saturday was a fantastic success. The sun shone on Henfield Common and record crowds flocked to enjoy a traditional village day out, it seemed as if the whole village was there!
The show tent was full of delicious looking baked exhibits as well as arts, crafts, produce and some wonderful 'vegetable aliens' and creative entries from younger Henfield residents. Members of the WI did a wonderful job of stewarding the event, as well as serving hundreds of cups of tea and slices of coffee and walnut cake.
The ever popular dog show left Jonathan Underwood from Hawthorn Vets with the unenviable task of selecting 'Best small breed' and 'Most obedient dog' amongst others - with over 50 perfect pooches in just one class it was almost impossible to decide. There have never been more entries! HJ Burt sponsored and Henfield Lions Club were in charge of organisation, which they managed magnificently.
Henfield's finest charities and clubs were out in force with coconut shies, raffles, tombolas, treasure hunts, crafts and goodies for children to spend their pocket money on - there was even a 'snail race' at the St Peter's School stand. Local businesses who sponsored the show, including Rushfields Farm Shop, Henfield Fencing, Coles Automotive and Perry Plumbers, PHB Contractors and Swains Farm supported the fayre with their stands and help transporting the tents, tables and chairs.
This year saw a new addition - the wonderful Sheep Show, which was funny and informative as well as having the 'ahh' factor of some wonderful four legged characters.
As always, Henfield's BP Guild ran the bar and barbecue, serving hundreds of pints and hundreds of burgers. The funds raised on the day go towards the Senior Citizen's day out and other charitable work around the village.
Visitors to our BN5 stand donated £1 to the Henfield Haven daycare centre in return for a Dave the Dog BN5 shopper; they were hugely popular and we raised £321 on the day, with donations still coming in! If you'd like a bag please let us know - we still have a few (in return for a donation for the Haven!) It was fantastic to see everyone, thank you for your support. And congratulations to Timmy Williams, who won the Dave shopper filled with Sussex goodies in our treasure hunt.
It only remains to say an enormous 'bravo' to Henfield Parish Council, the organisers, led by Mike Morgan, and their team of volunteers who helped make the day happen. They gave up many, many hours before the event to make sure everything ran smoothly, as well as working incredibly hard on the day. We are so grateful for all their hard work, now for a rest before starting to organise 2017!!
Emma Osman
