The date for the 2012 Ben Rhydding Fete has been announced as being on 30th June.

The venue has yet to be confirmed.

Ben Rhydding Community Fete 18^th June 2011

Despite forecasts of showers and a new location, large crowds still turned out for an afternoon of fun and family entertainment at what has become a regular feature of summer in Ben Rhydding.

Despite the wet outlook, the sun shone, the crowds arrived and the sixth Ben Rhydding Community Fete, at its new temporary site on the former middle School field, marked up another success. “We were all mightily relieved!” sighed Fete organiser, Mrs Karen Palframan

Present at the official opening along with Mrs Palframan were Cllr Heathcliffe Bowen, Chair of Ilkley Parish Council, David Wood of the 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron Air Training Corps (A.T.C.) and 9 year old Eve Dawson, a pupil at Sacred Heart School and winner of the programme cover competition.

With the theme of the Fete this year being the 70^th anniversary of the A.T.C., the entertainment programme in the arena featured music from the A.T.C. Band, as well as a performance from the Wright Theatre Arts Dance Academy, songs from a group led by 15 year old Frankie Burgess of the Joze School of Dance and, for the first time, a demonstration of Raks Zina belly dancing, with the opportunity for those brave enough, to join in.

As well as all the usual stalls and attractions, new to the Fete this year were the Wharfedale Quilters with a creative and colourful display of patchwork quilts and artwork.  “It was wonderful too,” said Mrs Palframan, “to be joined by 1st Ben Rhydding Scouts who created a mini camp site, complete with flag pole and a demonstration of outdoor cooking.”

With a variety of cakes and buns, the tea tent was a popular spot as was the beer tent with beer supplied by Ilkley Brewery and The Wheatley Arms.

“We are especially thankful to the Wheatley Arms as well as the Parish Council and Audley Clevedon for their sponsorship of the event,” said Mrs Palframan, “ and to other local businesses and the Ilkley Tennis and Squash Club for providing generous prizes for the raffle.  The fete is a non-profit making event, but the raffle along with donations at the gate, help offset costs.”

Usually held on Bolling Road field, the Fete had to relocate this year because of building work going on there.  “But,” added Mrs Palframan, “it worked well and we would be very interested to have any feedback from those who were there about what they thought of the new venue, and which site they would prefer for next year’s event.”

To give your comments or for any other enquiries contact: karen@benrhyddingfete.co.uk

This years Ben Rhydding Community Fete, to be held on 18th June, will be held on the old Middle School fields on Wheatley Lane / Valley Drive. This is due to the building work being carried out in the Bolling Road fields.

Written by Sue Boerrigter

A chilly but dry start to the afternoon, saw Bolling Road field abuzz last Saturday afternoon, when the fifth Ben Rhydding Community Fete provided a fun-filled family occasion.

After a welcome from organiser, Mrs Karen Palframan, the fete was officially opened jointly by Cllr. Heathcliffe Bowen, Vice Chair of Ilkley Parish Council and Rebecca Munro (8), a pupil at Ben Rhydding Primary School and  winner of the competition for the front cover of the fete programme.

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The fete is run by the community, for the community.  Local groups, clubs, Scouts and Guides, churches, school , charities etc. provide the mix of entertainment, stalls, refreshments, music, games and attractions.  Any surplus funds raised by the fete committee are distributed to local groups / charities or used to enhance Ben Rhydding.

The first fete was held in June 2006.  It grew from a desire to provide a new oppportunity for the community to get together, have some fun and celebrate life in Ben Rhydding.  (The only pub, The Wheatley Hotel, had been closed since 2002 and ‘Save Us Pub’ were fighting hard to have it re-opened).

Entrance is free and we hope you’ll come and enjoy the fun of a traditional family fete!