Village Rose Queen Fete
The Saturday of the first weekend in July is a special date in everyone’s diary because that is Fete Day.
The original fete started in 1953 with the tradition of the crowning of the Rose Queen being introduced in 1961.
Since 1979 the fete has been held on the village hall field and in the village hall.
The parade starts at 2.00pm and processes from the hall car park, through the village and back again to the hall field.
A brass band leads followed by the Rose Queen elect and the retiring Rose Queen with their retinues. Tractors and trailers with school children’s tableau, the Parish Council and also the WI in fancy dress in keeping with the fete’s chosen theme. A unique day for the whole village community.
Rose Queen Lucy Bolshaw
As I woke up on the day of the fete, 4th July 2009, I felt extremely excited as this was the day I was to be crowned Antrobus Rose Queen. I had been looking forward to this day for quite some time. The night before I had two of my best friends, Sophie and Anna, round for a sleepover; this meant that they were there to help me with all the preparations in the morning; make-up, hair and getting into the dress were all part of the excitement (as well as stopping me from panicking at any little problem that may arise!). For that I want to thank them for making the day extra special J.
After spending the morning getting ready I arrived at the Village hall, concentrating hard on not getting the dress dirty before I’d even started to walk in the procession! One by one my retinue arrived at the village hall; the girls looking very beautiful in their lovely dresses and the boys looking particularly handsome in their striking bow-ties. As we lined up for the procession I was, yes, nervous, but also extremely excited; my spirits were lifted not least because of the great weather!
As the procession began it was fantastic to see all the smiling faces as people watched Hannah and I with our retinues, the nursery float, the WI and the brass band as we paraded through the village. Arriving at the village hall field, the retinues and page boys gave a flawless display and for this and much more I have to thank Marian Hankey and Janet Featonby who put so much effort into making this a success once again. It goes without saying that I was thrilled to be crowned by Len Martin, and I would like to thank Len and the many others who gave me such wonderful presents; I am extremely grateful!
After being crowned Rose Queen, I joined in with the fabulous entertainment across the village hall field; although the ferret racing had to be moved inside the village hall because of the downpour, the rain certainly did not dampen the fun!
Thank you so much to all those who make Antrobus Fete such a special event and to everyone who came and enjoyed the day... oh and I mustn’t forget Holly, our cute cavalier spaniel, who did make it and even joined in the procession! Lucy Bolshaw
