School fete raises money for tape recorder
Breakspear School, Ickenham, wants a tape recorder for
speech training, a sewing machine and a stage backcloth.
These things are not supplied to primary schools by the
education authorities, so Breakspear School teachers, children and their
parents held a fete on Saturday to raise the money needed. There
target was £100. Their net results was £150.
"It's the first time we have ever tried anything like
this," remarked fete organizer Mr. A.H.Cheslyn on Saturday.
"I contacted people who helped to find sideshows and equipment, and
also people to give prizes and things for the stalls."
The fete was opened by Lady Wolstan Dixie, of
Ickenham
Manor, who was introduced by the headmaster, Mr. F. Ward. Earlier
the 150 competitors in the fancy dress parade had marched to the school
from the Village Pump, headed by the band of the 14F (Uxbridge) Squadron
A.T.C.
There were several up-to-date entries including R.S.M.
Kelly, of "I'll clean up Nesscliff" fame, and the parade was led
by a "Royal" party including a herald, Queen and Beefeater.
The Everest expedition was represented by eight-year-old
Barry Saich, carrying full mountaineering equipment including a genuine
ice-axe, with a cork on the spike to prevent accidents. Barry's
outfit was made in a few minutes the night before the competition, but won
him the prize for the most original boy's costume.
Joan Garnett won the prize for the most original girl's
costume as "provisions." Angela Garnham (Queen of Hearts)
and Richard Bourne (Beefeater) won prizes for the most decorative
costumes, and Geoffrey Shew for the best decorated bicycle.
PEASANT DANCES
There was a full afternoon's programme
including demonstrations by the children of Maypole and peasant dances,
Morris and sword dances, physical training and country dances.
Pupils of Group 2, the ten-year-olds,
presented a play called "The Secret Pedlar," and there was a
continuous film performance in the school hall.
Heavy showers interrupted the outdoor
activities, but they were resumed quickly after each downpour.
The school quadrangle was used as a tea
garden, and refreshments were served throughout the afternoon and evening,
when there was an informal dance for parents. Mr. and Mrs. A.C.
Green were host and hostess.
By Monday morning all traces of the fete had
gone from the field - except for a few scraps of paper and one huge lump
of coal (1½ cwt.) from a "guess the weight" competition, which
was still awaiting transport to the winner's home.
