Forward the Wagons!
I know we are classed as the West Country, but the Wild West? Fear not, it was only the St. Martin's Annual Gala! The church grounds teemed with cowboys, native Americans (Red Indians to the non-PC like me), pioneers and â€' dare I say it â€' one saloon girl!
There were burgers and bangers served by Brent and Don from the "Ole Chuck Wagon", popcorn, Coca Cola and sasparilla (Dandelion & Burdock actually) and various other refreshments which appeared on the red and white checked table tops. A fantastic fruit cake from Jan, decorated with wigwams and boots, etc, was raffled for over £50. The children terrified everyone with their painted faces and prizes were awarded for the best western outfit.
The settlers' market was arranged as a circle around a frightening totem pole. Was it meant to look like anyone we know, Malcolm? The stalls â€' sorry, wagons â€' even had wheels! Stetsons and feathers abounded and one squaw even had a papoose! The youngsters were happy playing games like apple-bobbing and no hoe-down is complete without some line dancing. Thanks, Helen, liked the boots. Glad other people joined in â€' what a lovely atmosphere. One could take home a souvenir of the day by having a photo taken in Carol's studio â€' with ten-gallon hats and bandanas and feather boas for the ladies, the sepia reproductions looked really authentic. We should have had a dunking booth for Bill as it was his last social event with us and sadly we can't say "Get you next year".
Praise the Lord for glorious weather (although the heat didn't do much for my chocolate fudge cake!). As always, His timing was impeccable as it started to drizzle with rain about 5 pm as most participants rode off into the sunset â€' in their Astras, Meganes, etc. and not a buckboard in sight.
Thank you to everyone for a wonderful day and over £635 raised for Church funds. Same time next year, Susan? Yee-haa!
Footnote: One nameless lady dressed as a feathered squaw removed said outfit on leaving before buying her fish and chip supper. Aware of odd looks in the shop, she realized on reaching home she still had her warpaint on! Didn't you, Enid!