VILLAGERS on Exmoor took their lives in their hands to turn out in large numbers for the annual Cutcombe Fete and Dog Show held on Saturday (August 5).

The occasion went ahead in Wheddon Cross Recreation Field despite many events being cancelled after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning of a threat to life because of strong winds which could reach 65 mph.

And residents were rewarded with what was described as a ‘wonderful produce marquee packed full of local entries of vegetables, cookery, flowers, and handicrafts’.

The afternoon was opened by long-time former village resident Eric Clarbull and featured fun for all the family, with children’s races, face painting, guess the weight of two goats, skittles, a bottle tombola, a draw, a live jazz band, barbecue, Pimm's tent, tea and cakes, a history exhibition, dog show, and more.

The fete raised more than £3,000, which will all remain in the village to be split between local charities.

A large team worked hard to prepare for the day under the guidance of chairperson Tracy Beviss, who said: “Massive thanks to all those who contributed to help, loan items, bake cakes for the teas, donate items, local business who supported us with draw prizes, and to those who helped with the judging and stewarding, so greatly appreciated, and special thanks to Leanna for supplying the press photos.

“It was a lovely community effort which everyone approached in a very positive way, despite the weather forecast and moving from plan A to plan E.

“We have a brilliant team of helpers within the village.” 

Trophy Winners

The John Smith Trophy for most points in Fruit & Veg – Gerald Matravers The Gordon Williams Salver for Best Veg Exhibit Classes 9-30 – Susan Atkins The WI Shield for most points in Cookery Classes 40-67 – Joshua Thorne The Cynthia Stevens Memorial Trophy for Best Exhibit Cookery Classes 40 & 41 – Margaret Robinson The Peggy Stevens Trophy for Best Exhibit Cookery Classes 56-63 – Joshua Thorne The William Delve Cup for Most points in Flowers classes 70–89 – Gerald Matravers The Leonard Briggs Cup for Runner Up Flowers 70-89 – Edgar Webber The Adams Trophy for Best Arrangement in Flowers 90-98 – Leanna Coles The Wilson Cup for most points in Flower Arrangements 90-98 – Leanna Coles The Friendship Trophy for most points in Handicrafts classes 100-106 – Lesley Francis The Andrew Priddy Trophy for most points in photography 115 – Leanna Coles The Joan Ratcliffe trophy for most points in photography 110-114 – Leanna Coles The Roly Langdon Trophy for Best Overall Photo – Leanna Coles The Peoples Vote for Best Photo in Show – Leanna Coles Childrens: The Bristol Challenge Cup for most points in classes in Cutcombe catchment area – Benjamin Norman The Strong Cup for most points aged 10-14 – Olivia Stenner The Dunkery Cup for most points aged 8-9 – jointly won by Jessica Norman and Sophie Stenner The Luckwell Cup for most points aged 6-7 – Milly Atkins The Putham Cup – most point aged 5 and under – Benjamin Norman The Alfred Fields cup for unpublished poem – Benjamin Norman.