Rodeo included in fete for Village Hall

A flavour of the old ‘wild west’ came to Monkleigh. One of the attractions of a programme in aid of village hall funds was a rodeo. Despite the drizzly weather there was an enthusiastic gathering of about 400 from the village and several miles around to watch equally enthusiastic would-be cowboys ride bareback and without reins 15 unbroken ponies brought from the Cornish moors. Brian Gilbert, of Monkleigh, held the saddle on the ‘bucking bronco’ for the longest period and gained the subsequent first prize. Second was Keith Moore, and third, R Jasper.

The fete was opened by TV announcer, Mr Stuart Hutchinson. Light rain fell frequently during the afternoon and evening but did not prove to be a major problem as a good crowd still braved the unpleasant weather to wander around the field purchasing goods on the stalls.

Other competitions including darts, fancy dress, baby show, pillow fight and sheep weight judging.

The secretary of the fete, Mrs E A Sanders, commented “It was most successful, especially considering it was raining. If it had not been raining then it would have been extra special.” A buttonhole was presented to Mr Hutchinson by Miss Mary Hodorowski.

Stallholders included: Rosalyn Clements, Ann Martin, Mrs A Beer, Ella Beer, Mesdames A and E Tallin, L Grigg, J Gilbert, Misses I and D Downs, Mrs E Wicks, Mr H Staddon and Messrs T and K Staddon. Tea helpers were Mesdames C Beer, C Mann, Lawrence, L Grigg, Wainwright and Miss Ella Beer. Judge at a baby show was Mrs B Butcher and of the children’s competitions Mrs N Brooks.

Children’s competitions were won by David Down, Richard Daniel, Barry Wood, Rita Daniel, Gordon Squires, Marian Glover, Graham Palmer, Linda Gilbert, Sandra Daniel, Brian Clements, Rosemary Jewell, Loon May, Marian Glover, Janet Lawrence, Mary Hodorowski, Linda Parr, Andrew Clements, Trevor Woodguard, Leslie Martin, James Mann, Rosalyn Clements, Barbara Mann, Leslie Martin, Pamela Down, Ann Martin and James Mann.

Altogether the day made a profit of £120.

11 June 1965