15.08.2008 - Bardsey Fest Report
Welcome lunch hosted by the Parish Council
On August 1st 2008, a group of German visitors from Kisdorf, their host families, members of the Parish Council and others who had been involved with the Bardsey/Kisdorf twinning from the start 35 years ago gathered for a welcome lunch in the Bingley Arms. Ed Stentiford as chairperson of Bardsey-cum-Rigton Parish Council welcomed everyone and hoped the already strong links with Kisdorf would continue for many years to come. Mattias Triep and Angela Schiller spoke of their first visit to Bardsey in 1974 when they were teenagers. Both said the trip had been a positive influence on their lives. The lunch also celebrated Yorkshire Day and the Yorkshire Flag was presented to the visitors. The Burgameister was also presented with a copy of our new Village Map (soon to be unveiled in the village).
This was the first event of The Bardsey/Kisdorf Twinning Fest 2008 and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks must go to the organisers and to Janet and Michael for the lovely meal and the service we received from all at The Bingley Arms.
Scarecrows invade village
Around 35 assorted Mums, Dads, Grannies and children, some on scooters and bikes made their way very leisurely around the village on the previous Wednesday to admire an assortment of fictional characters including Madam Butterfly, Princess Fiona, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Dorothy and Indiana Jones. Sports people included cricketers, golfers, a surfer and a hockey player celebrating Jo Ellis’s involvement in the GB Olympic Team. A Scottish dancer, Pavarotti, a gondolier, numerous fishermen, a few busy gardeners and an old English afternoon tea party were well executed, as were the cowboy, Bollywood ball, the twitcher, and the topical re-cycling scarecrows. The Cub Scouts had done a whole camp, Whatever happened to baby Jane was enticing and the father who had forgotten his keys, yet again, very good. Well done to all the residents, who took time out to make a scarecrow. It is an effort but well worth while as I know from the people who stop, chat and smile when they see them. And the winner was … There were 40 scarecrows entered and the winner was Indiana Jones, erected by Louise Davidson and friends, 2nd - Hazel Smith and her Highland Fling and 3rd Anne Littlewood with Family Life. As there were so many imaginative, original and clever ideas the Judges decided to award two Highly Commended Certificates and these went to Bardsey Scout Group led by Ashley Cullingworth for their camping scenario and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz by the Goddards. Congratulations to all.
.
Bowl in Bloom Competition
The winning entry had a Scottish flavour and was won by Hazel Smith, followed by Pauline Hills and Lisa & Holly Goddard.
.
Summer Pot Pourri
The Village Hall was alive with activity when we arrived on Friday evening, being welcomed with Pimms and displays of white roses on each table to commemorate Yorkshire Day. The ladies of Treble Clef started the entertainment with a wide and versatile selection of songs. Tisha Baxter’s Ballet and Spanish Dance Academy followed with children performing the Pat-a-cake Polka, Cofi O’rdre and Sicilian Circle most charmingly. An interval with the chance to refill glasses, partake of a good selection of cheeses and also the opportunity to speak to visitors and friends past very quickly. It was then the turn of the Bardsey Players with a Potted Panto of Cinderella. They did not disappoint with their jokes and mild innuendo and the ugly sisters named Hernia and Cystitis. Treble Clef concluded the evening leading community singing with songs including Somewhere over the Rainbow, Doh a deer, I love to go a wandering, You’ll never walk alone and We’ll meet again. It being Yorkshire Day On Ilkley Moor Bah’t Hat was sung with gusto. It was time to go home, but everyone had a smile on their face and all agreed we had had a good time.
The Treasure Hunt and Kaffee Und Kuchen
These two events were very well attended and complemented each other as both events were based in Bardsey Village Hall on the Saturday afternoon. Both children and adults went on the treasure hunt and all the children were given prizes. The adults were able to have much needed refreshments back at the hall and it was soon evident that the lovely cakes (a lot of which were baked by the W.I. members) were being much appreciated Well done and thank you to the many people involved with both these events.
The Shindig
This was held on the Saturday evening in East Keswick Village Hall and was another success. There were approximately 120 people from both Bardsey and East Keswick and also our German visitors from Kisdorf. The Big Wolfe Oompah Duo provided the entertainment with audience participation. There was lots of fun and games including a trombone playing competition for which prizes were awarded. Illingsworths the Butcher in East Keswick organised the Hog Roast Supper and the spit-roasted pig was ceremoniously paraded through the hall. Towards the end of the evening a very long chain of people dancing the Conga wended around the room. It was a good evening, with people joining in and a good time was had by all.
The Parish Church of All Hallows
On Sunday morning we all met again in our beautiful church and a welcome was given to our visitors from the vicar, Rev Raymond Pearson. Helmut Degn read a message from the Pastor of Kisdorf. Coffee was offered in the church after the service which was another opportunity to talk to our German visitors.
Sports Gala
A damp Sunday morning was followed by sunshine at Keswick Lane Sports Ground as 1,500 locals enjoyed a fun packed Gala. There was a wide range of activities to suit young and old including Drum Majorettes, Dog Agility Display, Bungee Trampoline and a giant Bouncy Castle. Everyone agreed it was a gala to remember.
Event winners were as follows:
Tug of War – Bardsey beat East Keswick 2-1
Bowls Bulls-eye – Andy Bowes
Hit the Wicket – Senior = Scott Murray, Junior = Sam Hills
Target Golf – Dave Holden
Beat the Goalie – Senior = Rob Dickinson, Junior = Jack White
Netball target – Senior = Sally Clark, Junior = Henry Wainman
Duck Race
The 100 yard course along Keswick Beck was in perfect condition for this year’s races, which was held during the Sports Gala. The final was between 50 ducks, comprised of 25 from each of the two heats of 100 ducks. The winning duck won by a long neck for Rob Clayton with second and third prizes went to Michelle Pendleton and Lewis Hill respectively. It was a great event enjoyed by all and the 200 ducks are available for hire from the organisers.
Wine Tour at Hillbark
This was a sell out and the weather behaved itself, being dry and good for the final evening event. We were greeted warmly and given an empty glass and 10 raffle tickets. The idea was you meander around this wonderful, interesting garden and swapped tickets for a drink. There were 10 varieties of wine on offer, 5 English and 5 German. The nearest vineyard to Bardsey being Leventhorpe which is near Swillington. I must admit that the evening became more hazy as the different tastes were explored. After 9.00 pm we left the garden and made our way to the Nippy Chippy which was parked in the Village Hall car park. There we queued for a plate of fish, chips and mushy peas or the alternative of curry sauce. These were delicious and soaked up the wine perfectly. Apple pie followed and the Kisdorf Burgermeister thanked Bardsey for its hospitality over a fun packed weekend.
Just a word
As Chairman of the Fest 2008 committee. I am so proud of what was achieved over the weekend. The Biennial Fest coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Bardsey twinning with Kisdorf. The many events brought together new friends and old and strengthened our already strong community spirit. It was a memorable weekend for us all and lots of thanks are due to so many people. I would especially like to thank all the members of the Fest committee who have been planning this for the last 10 months. I think they all have done a brilliant job. Well done team and thank you again.
Thanks also go to everyone who attended the many and varied events and joined in so enthusiastically in the competitions. We couldn’t have done anything without your participation.
Pauline Hills
