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FÊTE DAY
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There has been an annual fête in the village for more years than anyone can remember although the exact origins remain unclear. It is rumoured to have started shortly after the end of the Second World War, held annually in the grounds of Coglan House.
There is evidence that suggests an annual rose show was held in the grounds of Coglan (sometimes written Coghlan) House from as early as 1900 [1]. An unknown newspaper article from the early 1900s record one such flower show that was held at the Latchen Room [2]. Owing to the fact that the Latchen Rooms were built in 1906, it could not have happened before then.
"For several years past the flower and vegetable shows held in Longhope have been popular, but none have been more successful than that promoted by Mr. W. H. Powell, which was held in the Latchen Room on Thursday afternoon. A large number of people attended, the money taken at the door amounting to £5 19s. 6d. ... The side shows included a museum by Mr. W. H. Powell, which contained a most interesting collection of fossils, insects, African curios, 28 different kinds of wood grown in Longhope, and an inlaid table and tray, the work of Mr. F. C. Field. Mr. F. C. Field had fitted up a rustic garden with an ingeniously arranged miniture waterfall, around which was artistically placed flower stands filled with pot flowers and ferns, shrubs, etc. The music was provided by the Mitcheldean Prize Brass Band, under the conductorship of Mr. G. Powell." [2]
Even earlier to the flower show is mention of other Club Days and Bazaars held in and around the village, the earliest of which is the mention of a Club Day at May Hill [1] in 1875. On July 2nd. 1884 a holiday was granted to the children of Longhope C. of E. School on account of it being the village Club Day. Successive holidays were also granted around the same time in future years until on July 18th. 1895 a "Forester's fete [was] to be held in the village". Exactly what the Forester's Fete was at this time is unclear.
The first written evidence of an annual fete comes from 1921 describing a fete and sale of work:
"By the kind permission of Captain and Mrs. Pringle, the picturesque grounds of the Manor House were the venue of the annual fete and sale of work. There was a large attendance, and excellent business was done at the various stalls. The proceedings were opened by Miss M. Hill, late of Coglan House, Longhope. The side attractions included nine-pins, barrow and stake, and bowls (prize a live pig), and there was keen competition in each case. ... Other attractions were hoop-la, cocoa-nut shies, and guessing competitions of weight of cake and pig, all of which were well patronised. At dusk the whole grounds quickly changed to a fairy-land, about 1,000 fairy lamps and Chinese lanterns having been artistically placed on the sides of the walks and the banks of the lakes. This work had been carried out under the personal supervision of the Rev. M. Maltby, and great skill had been shown in the placing of the lamps. The Wye Valley String Band provided the music, and dancing was freely indulged in on a splendid turf. The proceeds will be devoted to Home and Foreign Missions and various charities. The Rev. M. Maltby and his willing working Committee are to be congratulated upon the able manner in which the proceedings were carried out." [2]
A similar procession found in today's fête is first documented in the peace celebrations at the end of the First World War held in the village on July 19th. 1919 [2].
"... The programme included a carnival, procession, headed by the beautiful banner of 'Court Hope,' A.O.F. [Ancient Order of Foresters], and the local fife and drum band..." [2]
By this time the Latchen Rooms had been built where "a tea at Latchen-room free to every parishioner" was conducted before retiring to May Hill for a "grand display of fireworks and a bonfire" [2].
In 1947, Rev. Reginald Taylor, the vicar of Longhope from 1946 to 1951, writes about the fête being held in Blacksmith's Meadow, with an entrance fee of 1s. [3] and such activities such as guess the cow's weight and a coconut shy. The location of Blacksmith's meadow is not know presently but is regarded as the same field that the Recreation Grounds now occupy.
Traditionally, the fête was believed to have always been on the first Saturday of July but this may be no more than a couple of decades old. Indeed, Rev. Taylor writes of the 1947 fête taking place on 26th of July and even later fêtes occuring in the start of August [3].
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http://www.longhopevillage.co.uk/history/fete.asp |
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