News and Events 2011
Christmas Tree Lighting
For the sixth year running Witley Parish Council provided the community Christmas Trees which were lit across the parish in the evening of 2nd December. Although adult numbers at the Pirrie Hall were slightly down on previous years possibly due to another event there were more children running around on the field waving torches and neon tubes, or maybe it just seemed so! Cllr. Nick Holder welcomed all and after an absence of some years the King Edward’s School choir sang two carols by themselves before the rest of us joined in. Let’s hope they can come again, they certainly made a difference. Ann Fraser from All Saint’s Witley explained the meaning of the event and blessed the village and tree, whereupon after a count down by the children the switch was thrown and the tree burst into light. All that remained was for Charlie Bourne, the Pirrie Hall chairman, to thank the choir, Ann and the sponsors and invite all to partake in the refreshments. Thanks go to Harrison Hire, AVS Fencing and The Co-Op for their sponsorship and especially our local pub The Dog and Pheasant for being so generous with the mulled wine which has attained legend status at tree lightings. Many thanks also to those who helped with the preparations, mince pies, serving and clearing up afterwards.
Brook Fete 2011
The 65th Brook fete began two hours earlier as in recent years fete-goers have been arriving earlier and earlier and were disappointed that they were unable to enjoy the stalls, BBQ, etc. The earlier start took place in bright sunshine and warm temperatures with just a hint of a breeze to keep everyone cool. With 55 stalls there was certainly something for everyone.
A queue had formed for the ever popular bric-a-brac and book stalls some twenty minutes before the official opening and the car park was filling up. The BBQ proved more popular than before with families taking the opportunity to have lunch sitting in the grounds before enjoying the stalls. The fairground was well used by children and the stalls selling a wide variety of handcrafts did a good trade. The Pirrie Hall Food Market was back again, selling home-made and locally produced produce and this year the Brook Cricket Club ran the tea tent serving delicious cakes and cups of tea. Northdown Veterinary Practice again ran the dog-show to the delight of the owners and children. The ice cream stall did well and in keeping with tradition the Pimms tent ran dry towards the end. Classic cars, the police car and fire engine were viewed enthusiastically. Tombola, bottle hoopla, and the grand draw gave everyone the opportunity to try their luck at winning one of the worthwhile prizes.
When the rain began at four o’clock, most stalls were nearly out of goods and took the opportunity of packing up. All told, a good time was had by all.
Winners of Brook Fete Grand Draw in order |
|
|---|---|
| Mrs Ingle | |
| Mark Bell | |
| M Gay | |
| K Morris | |
| Mike Brooking | |
| Thomas Baldwin | |
| Oliver Bailey | |
| Jason Galloway | |
| Mick Burrows | |
| Jean Allmey | |
| Joanne Flitter | |
| Johhny Miles | |
| Mick Strugnell | |