The weather on our opening Saturday was wonderful which gave many activities a great start – the “highlight ” of my day was a climb to the top of our newly renovated Church tower but it was also lovely to see the History Group getting so much interest in the working model of the old Shefford Railway and my personal favourite of an evening of Eat-food street fayre in the town centre plaza following the Prince and Princess Day presentations with visiting Gruffalo. Other presentations included the Community Hall open day – again supported by the WI – and the Library open day. I also managed to get a brief visit in to the Bowls club who had their “club finals and visitor welcome” well attended in lovely September sunshine.
Sunday promised terrible weather – which in the main held off allowing the Garage Sale Trail to be a success – we had a record number of nearly 40 stalls and I hear that one stallholder even made nearly £100 on the day – others were happy with perhaps less money but a pleasant day with neighbours and visitors – many of whom came from well out of town.
Shefford Scout Group opened their doors to the public on an exciting evening when their enthusiastic members were engaged on a Bridge Building Challenge – they had great fun with this and succeeded brilliantly.
Tuesday evening was an opportunity for Festival followers to experience the fascinating art of Karate with Sensei Kevin Stark at his class in Robert Bloomfield Academy, where a grading was taking place along with a mixed level/beginners class.
Every day of the week found cakes and drinks – tea, coffee and squash – at the St Michael’s inclusive coffee shop cafe – a chance to chat and rest quietly, with some beautiful cake!
Singing, acting and dancing with Mad Hatters musical theatre classes were a fabulous opportunity for the youth of Shefford to learn some performance skills and have a great deal of fun! These classes at the Methodist Church hall formed part of our Community Festival again this year.
Friday I manged to get to see Annette at Artisans in the Yard where she was having a great week – after a successful Garage Sale Trail she was greeting visitors to the Yard. Down at Shefford House, I went to see the inauguration of the Hand in Hand Social Club – a new monthly support group for hearing and sight impaired adults also offering free hearing aid assistance including replacement of NHS hearing aid batteries, cleaning, re-tubing and replacement of open fittings.
It has been an event packed week so I was delighted to see all the events going on over our last weekend – Barnwell Music for example had singing workshops free of charge.
Saturday saw the Michaelmas Fair at St Michaels church – much of it outside in lovely – if breezy – weather including the WI tombola and my own Tai Chi stand. Inside was a very professional photo display from Karen Brammer – along with a Christmas turkey raffle and tea/coffee and cakes.
Moving up the High Street I came to the annual Art Exhibition where some delightful works were on display – in past years we have purchased some pieces so I managed to return on Sunday with my family for a more extensive viewing.
The much publicised Shefford Lower School Pop up Circus went off brilliantly with stalls and games complimenting the circus – a notable feature being the Clown make up presentation – much appreciated by all who wonder if there is really a human being under that mask!
There is much talk of more street dressing for the High Street and more of everything next year – a resounding success for our participants – and I suspect for the Festival “fringe”.
Ian Deavin – Shefford Community Festival organiser
