A cold but sunny day greeted Germoe Feast Fair on Saturday when the village’s church and school held a joint fundraising event.

This took place at the school, where there was a variety of stalls selling everything from cake and books to bric-a-brac.

There was also a tombola and games for the children such as the Wheel of Fortune.

Always one of the most popular games, which is thought to be unique to Germoe, is the “snail race”.

Competitors pick one of six coloured wooden snails – which were made by John Whitehead “quite a few years ago” – and then throw a dice. Whichever colour the dice lands on the corresponding snail moves a place, with the ‘owner’ of the snail that reaches the finishing line first winning a sum of money.

The school put on refreshments, including a barbecue, as well as some games.

Diane Whitehead, churchwarden, said of the fair: “It went very well and there was a good turnout. Thank you to everybody who helped on the day. It was a good effort and a good sense of community.”

The school and church kept the money that their individual stalls and attractions raised, meaning the primary raised £238 and the church took just short of £800.

This Friday, May 3, marks the tenth anniversary of the revival of the Germoe Maypole and there will be a celebration on the village green.

“Before this a short church service will be held at Germoe Church from 2pm, followed by the schoolchildren dancing around the maypole.

Refreshments will be sold afterwards.

A school spokesperson said: “It is now ten years since we resurrected the tradition of Maypole dancing as part of Germoe Feast Fair.

“We know it used to take place many years ago, perhaps the 1940s, and have been trying to trace dancers from that time who could share their experiences with us.”nd the children.”