David Godfrey, Tina Wiles, David Callaghan, Susan Carey and Stuart Peall with the giant Hawkinge Harry
Saturday 12 September is the sixth Fun Day in Hawkinge and this year’s theme is Hawkinge’s history. The Fun Day itself is becoming a tradition and part of that tradition is that it is opened by the chairman of Shepway District Council. First I am greeted at the Community Centre by the chairman of Hawkinge Parish Council, David Callaghan and the parish clerk, Tina Wiles and Shepway District Councllors Stuart Peall and David Godfrey. I am also pleased to see Hawkinge Harry the giant, who is much in demand for parades and events in Kent and Northern France. It is good to see him on home territory.
The 1st Foot Guard
I am escorted from the Community Centre to the stage by the 1st Foot Guards a ‘living history and reenactment unit’ kitted out in uniforms like those worn in 1815 at the time of the Napoleonic wars. We march across the village green to the stage where I officially open the Fun Day and we then march back. And I wonder if I look like a prisoner under escort!
I am then free to wander around the stands. These include the local schools, several charities including the Air Ambulance who are already (!) selling Christmas cards. Churchill school are running a traditional coconut shy and my husband manages to hit a coconut but fails to dislodge it.
John Hall intent on winning a coconut
The Hawkinge Allotment Society has a stand full of plants for sale which is remarkable as they are still not officially on their new site. They tell me they’ve been asking for a site for thrity years and I was first involved about four years ago. But it won’t be long now as the land has been agreed, the society members have cleared it and water, fencing and other facilities including a composting toilet are under construction.
The children love the inflatables at the Fun Day and there’s a full size version of subbuteo. The 1st Foot Guards demonstrate their weapons and marching. The dancing also deserves a special mention as there are many groups and styles. And the main theme of the event – Hawkinge’s history is taken up in a history trail round the village and an exhibition in the Community Centre.
Premier Performing Arts
The Fun Day is run by the Hawkinge Events Group and they would welcome more people to join the fun. If that appeal to anyone reading this then I will happily put you in touch.
The Fun Day is supported by local businesses, the Hawkinge Partnership (now Shepway Regeneration) and Hawkinge Parish Council.
1st Foot Guard shows what warfare used to be
