By David Tingley, co-chair Lindfield Village Day
When we, as a team, decided to organise a Late Summer Village Day we just had no idea what the appetite would be from the Lindfield community. We had heard of some who were asking why it didn’t happen in June – but it was just too early to plan ahead of time, before restrictions had begun to be lifted. So, we hatched a plan to run something for Lindfield in September, rather than another year with no Village Day.
We built it, and boy did you come! We were delighted with the response from the village as it felt like the good people of Lindfield truly came out in force to support this slightly different version of Village Day. Whilst there was no procession this time, we had organised a children’s fancy dress competition – which was very well attended. Check out the amazing colours and costumes in some of the photos below. Well done to all who took part, and to those who walked away with an Olympic-themed gold, silver or bronze medal!
Children’s costume competition
Another popular element was the children’s dog show, which had over 100 four-legged entrants. Crowds lined the arena to watch the kids and their pets processing on the Common.
Our ‘Beer & Fizz’ tent worked well and while onlookers were entertained by students from Rok Skool – they were kept well-supplied by both Bestens Brewery and Bluebell Vineyard. Although this year was a ‘slimmed down’ version of the traditional event, we did, in the end, have over 80 stalls on the Common. From crazy golf to Fairtrade information, and the caterpillar ride to therapists – we like to think we had something for everyone! With the number of visitors estimated to be up to 4,000, it is perhaps not surprising some stalls had sold out before the end of the day.
Lindfield Village Day is one of the major fundraising initiatives for our own King Edward Hall – run as a registered charity. Although we don’t yet know the exact numbers, the success of this special event will have made a decent impact on Hall funds. This year, for instance, we completely sold out of raffle tickets – which is amazing!
We are tremendously grateful to the many businesses that supported this year’s event – all of which were mentioned in official programme in last month’s magazine. However, I did want to shout-out to our sponsors: RTFJ, Potential Personal Training, Lindfield Art Studio and Jackson-Stops whose donations directly to the charity were greatly appreciated. Also, Tom and his team from Archers Waste Management – who volunteered their time and kept the Common looking clean and tidy throughout the day.
And, of course, the amazing organising team who worked alongside Katherine Alcock and I to make it happen. True community heroes – the lot of them! Thank you, and thank you Lindfield. See you next year!
For more amazing photos of Lindfield Day 2021 pick up a copy of Lindfield Life’s October issue and turn to page 19.
