The Boy Scout Story Tony Burrows
My earliest recollections of the fete, were as a child, when I was taken there by my parents. In those days of course it was held on the first Monday in August, until the Bank Holiday was changed to the last Monday in August.
I began to help at about the age of eleven, when I was in the scouts. Our ‘skip’ was Mr. Arthur Shore (Mrs. Beryl Spencer's father) he was also churchwarden for many years, and was always in charge of the car park which the scout troop manned with him. There was a charge for the car park and I think then the charge was sixpence for motorcycles and one shilling for cars. Of course a motorcycle hill climb was held on the castle opposite Mr. Winward's farm (Mr. and Mrs. G. Vickers live there now) and this was a very large crowd-puller particularly from about 3pm onwards, the event lasted well into the evening. We had separate car and motorcycle parks, the motorcycle enthusiasts came to the castle after visiting the races at Oulton Park.
My Uncle John (Burrows) and Auntie Eva and Auntie Freda (Cheers) used to run the sweets, crisps and pop stall, which has now been incorporated into the tea tent.
My father (Frank Burrows) ran the children’s sports for many years, with the help of his brothers, a job that I have continued to do for many years now.
I helped Mr. Bulger and his team set up the stalls and tea tent on the Sunday prior to the Fete, however I think its a much better idea to do everything on the one day as at present for which we have a very good team.
My wife has also helped at the Fete for many years now, usually in the tea tent. I think the tea tent is very hard work and I take my hat off to all the ladies who help there.
Over the years we have had beautiful days, awful days, one particularly severe thunderstorm, but overall it has been very enjoyable. I have only missed a handful of Fetes over the last 45 years and hope to enjoy many more to come.