It was amazing to see so many people creating a fun-filled afternoon!
Camber’s summer fete was organised, once again, by Camber Community Group, a hardworking and resourceful bunch. Not only did they raise the funds to pay for the event, but then went about planning, risk assessing, insuring (and all the other administrative tasks that are involved), and recruiting volunteers. Well done to the whole team and all the additional volunteers! They all worked hard to create a spectacular community event – and the community made it memorable!
It was amazing to see so many residents, visitors and businesses there, young and old, supporting the event and creating a fun-filled afternoon with an atmosphere of happiness, laughter and friendliness! The CCG team is always overwhelmed by the response of the village, and it makes all the hard work worthwhile to see so many of our residents come together to relax and enjoy themselves.
Preparations for the event began back in May. As always, there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes. So many people helped to make the day special – from giving up their time in the run-up and on the day, to providing treats, sweets and prizes. The weather was kind – not too hot, but pleasantly warm, with a gentle breeze to keep everyone from overheating.
There was a variety of stalls and games, all provided by local businesses, organisations, charities and individuals. Raffle prizes were donated by villagers and village businesses. There were free games for children to enjoy, and refreshments served both outside and inside the Memorial Hall.
For the first time, there was a barbecue (electric – no naked flames – the ‘wildfire risk’ was too high!) There were all the usual stands: raffle, pick-a-ticket, plant stall, book table, adopt-a-teddy, children’s games, various craft stalls, and a Pimm’s bar, as well as music and entertainment. It was an excellent afternoon, filled with fun and good cheer!
The main purpose of the day, of course, was about bringing our wonderful community together. Any funds raised by CCG were given to Camber Community Newsletter, to help towards the ever-spiralling cost of printing. The day raised a whopping £1,200 for the Camber Community Newsletter! Here, at the newsletter team, we are bowled over by this! The newsletter team is extremely grateful to the CCG team for their unwavering support.
Camber Community Group would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who assisted on the day of our Summer Fete. Especially to:
- The team of gents from the village who were on the field at a very early hour to set up the gazebos, tables and chairs, only to return, once the fun was all over, to pack up and clear everything away again
- Our many stall holders, some old faces and some new, who laid out an eclectic and tantalizing display of goods for sale
- Claire and Jan for running a selection of games and a treasure hunt which kept the kids busy all day.
- Dave for building most of the games, and Anna & Anthony for their artistic paintwork,
- Rob and Jeanine for their Tech Support!
- Chief Chef Leigh (!) for the burgers and hotdogs
- All of our wonderful volunteers who ran the CCG stalls,
- The Lunch Bunch for teas, coffees and the various baked goods served in the Memorial Hall,
- Frankies’ Ice Cream van – most welcome on such a hot day.
Many thanks also go to those who contributed prizes towards our very successful raffle stall:
- The Owl, Antonio’s Pizza and Fish Me A Dish who all donated meal vouchers
- The Rye Bay Bar and Grill for a selection of wines
- Camber Active Friends who donated 2 Aldi shopping vouchers
- Camber Resident’s Social Group who donated a bottle of Moet & Chandon
- Local author, Tina Beattie, who donated a signed copy of her latest book
- Tesco who donated a varied selection of prizes
- Our residents who donated a variety of wonderful prizes in the form of cosmetics (for him and her), toys, games, jigsaws, books, chocolates, jewellery, fancy teas, fruit basket, electronic goods, a beautiful print of Camber and, this year, a giant inflatable, turtle to replace the crocodile which was won at the last Fete!
Thank you to Brett Aggregates for a financial donation towards the fete costs, to Camber Parish Council for allowing us to use Jubilee Green, to the Memorial Hall Committee for the use of their facilities, and to St Thomas the Apostle Church for loaning us extra tables and allowing our stallholders to use their car park.
Hats off to Gaz who did an excellent job of compѐring the event and getting our feet tapping with a great selection of tunes and for all of the amazing photos that are shown here.
As ever, though, the biggest thanks must go to all of YOU!
THANK YOU, Camber! What a great community
PARKDEAN RESORTS
Camber Community Group would like to give a big shout-out to Parkdean Resorts!
With the help of Gaz Jones, and the backing of Leigh Phillips, Assistant General Manager at Parkdean, the company has very kindly purchased and donated a full PA system to the Camber community!
The CCG team was completely bowled over! This means that we can be completely self-sufficient (sound-wise) for all our future events! Thank you, Parkdean!
Up until now, we have had to rely on the generosity of others to loan us their precious equipment, and we would like to say a heartfelt “Thank You” to all those who have helped us with that over the years.
WICKES
Home improvement retailer, Wickes, made a big difference to our summer fete this year! When we place the bunting around Jubilee Green we like to put it up high, on poles as it looks so much more eye-catching.
Some years we have had to simply attach it to the top rail of the fence as our budget didn’t stretch to the price of the timber.
This year, though, Wickes kindly donated enough wood to fly our bunting high! A big thank you to Wickes, for helping make our village green look splendid!
