Driving through Appledore on Saturday June 13 you couldn’t help but spot the bunting above the front gates leading to Appledore Church, then the free parking signs and then the sign announcing the annual Appledore Strawberry Fair, we had arrived!
Parking is free at the village hall and after a short walk along the High Street we could hear the distant sound synonymous with a rural village scene, yes, Morris dancing courtesy of the New Romney Morris dancers who entertained the crowds before embarking on a tour of Oxfordshire villages where apparently Morris dancing originated.
No village fair would be complete without a willing band of volunteers and their variety of stalls and as we entered the beautiful church we were not disappointed.
Stalls included books for sale, local crafts, plants, jams and preserves, jewellery, amazing home-made cakes, children’s activities and if this were not enough there was a superb selection of sweet and savoury refreshments on offer as well as delicious cream teas. The temptation alas was too great, after a slice of coffee cake and strawberries and cream, it was time to walk it off again.
A great day was had by all and there was a lot of laughter and fun throughout the afternoon, congratulations to all who put so much effort into making this such a memorable occasion, particularly the vicar, Rev Patricia Fogden, resplendent in her strawberry-emblazoned dress which was quite a talking point.
Her infectious enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed, perhaps a little divine intervention brought the blue skies and sunshine after such a miserable and wet week beforehand. If you missed out this year, pencil it in for 2020, it’s worth the effort and admission is free.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .