THE 2016 bi-annual Coldridge Village Fete, Vintage Rally and Flower Festival saw a record attendance on Saturday, July 2.

Sue Read of the "Crediton Courier" opened the fete at noon after the traditional peal of bells from St Matthew’s Church.

The church saw many visitors that day to admire the most glorious flower arrangements depicting Village Life in Coldridge - a floral history of work and leisure.

Highlights in the Main Ring were the Lapford Dog Agility Team, Winkleigh Morris and a "meet the hounds" session from Eggesford Hunt.

Commentator for the day, local farmer John Daw, with the help of Ringmaster, Andrew Green, introduced a record number of vehicles taking part in the parade of Vintage Tractors, Cars and Bikes.

There was also a large display of static engines for visitors to admire.

Two local bands brightened the event with their music. They were “All Or Nothing" playing rhythm and blues and "Jonny Monument Jazz".

The Family Fun Dog Show run by Debra and John Board was judged by veterinary surgeon Jenny Holmes from the St Boniface Veterinary Clinic in Crediton and great fun was had by all who took part.

Marilyn Daw, the honorary secretary, said: "It was a gorgeous day which saw a record number of people join us."

She added: "Our thanks must go to all the volunteers, including our young people, who came together both on the day before and at the fete and worked with a great sense of team spirit. Thanks also to those who provided such wonderful prizes for the Grand Draw.

"There was a wonderful atmosphere and the result of this is that the St Matthew’s Church Fabric Fund and Coldridge Village Hall will benefit from a total raised in the region of a record sum of £3,500 after final expenses have been settled."

There were a large number of stalls and refreshments sold well, especially ice creams and teas.

North Tawton fire crew took along their fire engine and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue also had staff present issuing fire safety and road safety advice.

The fete and rally were held in The Church Field, by kind permission of the Keast family.

Prizewinners were: Clay Hoopla - Conner McGinney; Sweets in a Jar - John Daw; Weight of the cake - M. Bearnes; Donald’s Lucky Number - Denzil Pinney; Age of the Donkey - Amy Jones from Crediton; Lucky Programme - Michael Leach from Lapford.

Alan Quick