Rogate FÃªte celebrates Queen's 90th birthday

The tug of war was a fierce battle between farmers and footballers. Picture: Hamish McKay

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The sun shone on a large, happy crowd at the Rogate FÃªte on Saturday afternoon.

The site was festooned with bunting, so the community could celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday in style.

A peal from the bells at St Bartholomew’s Church started the event and the crowd was then serenaded throughout the afternoon by Liss Band.

Vintage cars from The Double LL Club ringed the green, which was full of brightly-coloured gazebos and tents hosting games, stalls, local produce and community groups.

Vintage cars from The Double LL Club ringed the green. Picture: Hamish McKay

Events in the arena started with a busy dog show, where the emphasis was on fun, and the popular children’s races followed, including a messy egg and spoon.

The farmers won their fierce battle against the footballers in the tug of war and prizes were handed out by Mr Geoffrey Gough, a well-respected senior member of the community.

Anna Lobbenberg, from the fête committee, said: “Many community groups ran stalls. There was a beautifully-decorated, busy marquee from Rogate School making gorgeous crowns and running games. The gardening club had a stall heaving with beautiful plants, the lunch club ran the very popular bags and bling stall, the youth club offered glittery nails and tattoos, and the tennis club was running the raffle.

“A reputation for fantastic teas is now firmly established by Susie Shepherd Smith and her team and this year included Susie’s delicious recreation of the Queen’s orange sponge birthday cake.

The Brexit human fruit machine, challenging punters to win yes votes. Picture: Stephen Berendt

“Books and bric-a-brac sold fast and popular games stalls included chuck an egg, gold panning, coconut shy and the hilarious, controversially-themed Brexit human fruit machine, challenging punters to win yes votes.

“For the hungry, there was an American-style barbecue, beer, Pimms, sweets and ice creams for both humans and dogs from the traditional ice-cream trike.”

On show in the village hall were prize-winning flower displays, photography, crafts and amazing baking in the second Rogate Bake Off, which was won by Debbie Harwood.

Results were:-

Running - under-six, Ben Taylor; six to eight, Lucas Pink; nine to 12, Phoebe Bird.

Egg and spoon - under-six, Lucy Taylor; six to eight, Hannah Helyer; nine to 12, Phoebe Bird.

Three-legged race - under-six, Massie and James; six to eight, joint first, Nancy and Lucy, Amelie and Sophie, nine to 12, Lilly and Edie, 12-plus, Phoebe Barrett-Danes and Emily Bicknell.

Waggiest tail, Amilie Park with Tinker.

Best crossbreed, Lloyd with Lulu.

Best pedigree, Julia Jacobs with Will.

Most royally decorated collar, Ellena with Sylva.

Ladies Challenge Cup for jams, Jane Burt.

Robinson Challenge Cup for baking, Jane Burt.

Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Cup for craft, Jane Burt.

1969 Challenge Cup for flower arranging, June Barnard.

New Cup for photography, Debbie Pattinson.

Tankard for runner-up photography, John Connor.

Wake Walker Cup for contribution, Brian Allinson.

Children’s Challenge Cup, Sebastian Stevenson.