The Ashford Hill and Headley Fete
Before the War and during it the fete alternated between the grounds of the old Ashford Hill Vicarage and Knightsbridge Farm Headley.
Graham Swait organised it for more than 40 years from about 1956 when he arranged for it to be hosted by Cheam School. It usually took place just before the start of the autumn term but in latter years on the first Saturday of June. From about 2000 the expansion of sports facilities and increasing number of pupils made the arrangements too difficult. The fete then alternated between the recreation grounds of Ashford Hill and Headley. In the past the fete was in the afternoon but more recently it has opened before lunch to take advantage of BBQ and drinks sales.
2010 - The Fete was held at St Paul's Church, Ashford Hill. It was opened by SIR GEORGE YOUNG and the sun shone all day!
2011 - No Fete
2012 - The Fete was held at at Paul's Church Ashford Hill on 28th April (so as not to clash with the queens Jubilee and Olympics) and was opened by DICKIE DAVIS. It had originally been planned for Headley Common - however the wettest april in 100 years put paid to that! The ‘Silver Lining’ really was that St Pauls Church came into
it’s own on the day, and without fixed pews, we could configure this beautiful church to accommodate all of our stalls, and Hannington Silver Band. British spirit prevailed in a day when the rain didn't stop, The church was full of people, and had a real buzz, we were overwhelmed by dog show entries (56 dogs!), and there was a permanent queue for Fanny’s BBQ. Cars filled up the car park, stretched along the Ashford Hill Road, and overflowed into Ashford Hill School – we estimated 450 cars. £2800 was raised.
2013- The Fete was held at Headley Common on a gloriously sunny day on June 8th. A selection of vintage vehicles were on display, and visitors were entertained with dance displays including JLD School of Dance in Kingsclere. The Dog Show was again popular, with a Championship sponsored by Sandford Springs Golf Club.
Beneficiaries of The Fete
The primary reason for putting on the fete is that it is a great community event, bringing together the villages of Ashford Hill and Headley.
The main financial beneficiary is St Pauls Church, Ashford Hill, and St Peters Church in Headley. There are profit shares on some stalls which benefit other community organisations.
We really hope that ALL the residents will continue to support this fantastic community event, and allow the tradition to continue for many years to come.
The main financial beneficiary is St Pauls Church, Ashford Hill, and St Peters Church in Headley. There are profit shares on some stalls which benefit other community organisations.
We really hope that ALL the residents will continue to support this fantastic community event, and allow the tradition to continue for many years to come.