Little Chesterford

Visiting the village Fete

John is going back home to Australia tomorrow so we spent the morning getting clothes pressed and sorted for packing, and then John wanted to do some cooking. He thought Susan and Geoffrey should experience his chicken feta and spinach filos before he leaves.

After lunch we decided to go to the village fete in Little Chesterford just a few miles away (John: Little Chesterford - the streets were even narrower still than Great Chesterford). It turned out to be a nice fine afternoon after some scattered showers this morning. The fete was held on the green or common beside the 12th century village church. The Manor House nearby had also thrown open its extensive gardens for public viewing, so that was an added treat.

When we arrived the festivities were well underway. There was a steam powered locomotive engine pulling a hay cart full of passengers for a small trip around the common, just taking off as we walked in.


Hay ride

John and Susan

It was like stepping back in time to a more gentle era. Lots of marquees and tents were set up around the common. The school band (really good) played a medley of tunes as we wandered around looking at the various stalls, including games: the coconut shie, plate smashing  and putt putt golf and there were also the white elephant stall, tombola and second hand book stall.

Old fashioned swing set

Mini golf

Plate smashing

Coconut shy

Tombola

The small children were well catered for with a hand wound small carousel and an old fashioned swing set and jumping castle.

Hand wound carousel

John enjoyed looking at the various steam engines and old cars on display which were lovingly restored by their owners.

Sophia, Hamida and Paul

We met up with Hamida (whom Barb had met before at a craft morning), her husband Paul and daughter Sofia. Thus we wandered off to the village hall which was serving cups of tea and scrumptious home made cakes. The hall was set up beautifully with white embroidered cloths on the tables decorated with fresh flowers. The tea and cake were served on beautiful bone china plates. Very twee, but nice.

Afternoon tea

Beautiful china

To round off the afternoon we went to the Manor House to view the gardens. They were immaculate! I haven't seen such beautifully manicured lawns before in a private home. They were soft and springy to walk on, and very hardy too as everyone was traipsing all over the lawns. The house had lovely old out buildings converted for use by a modern young family: fully equipped indoor pool and gym, tennis courts and change rooms, stables, multiple car garages and staff quarters.

Moanor House and manicured lawns

Outbuildings and gardens

12th century church next door

There were pools and woodland gardens as well as flower gardens and an extensive kitchen garden. It must keep at least a couple of gardeners in full time employment to maintain it all.

The 12th century church next door was also delightful. Each pew had several knee cushions, each
cross stitched with the family name and crest or a religious design. Although small, it is remarkably well maintained for its age and still in use today.

The church

Back at Susan's now to tackle the remainder of the packing for John. Barb will have to maintain the blog by herself now. Expect spelling mistakes and capitals where they oughtn't be. Oh horror!

Daisy and Bella get friendly with Barb