On the afternoon of Sunday 1st July – mid heat-wave – many folk from across the neighbourhood came together to enjoy the Loudwater summer fete which this year was a Mad Hatter’s Tea party. Held at the Barn, it featured a giant chess set and croquet among other garden games, as well as an Alice in Wonderland themed treasure hunt.

Mr Marvel entertained the children with his amusing banter and amazing tricks, which featured a very well behaved and accommodating live white rabbit!

A sumptuous afternoon tea included a great selection of sandwiches, scones, cream cakes and treats – washed down with Pimms served from tea pots! The sustenance was supplemented by a Chilly White ice cream tricycle and candy floss machine.

A great many folk had embraced the Mad Hatter’s theme and dressed up in fabulous costumes – which was all the more impressive given the heat. New LRA committee members Jennifer McDermott and Zoe Wright-Browne looked fantastic as the Mad Hatter and Alice. Special fancy dress mentions also go to Pat Eckersall and LRA Chairman Alex Buxton, for their Mad Hatter’s and also to Queen of Hearts June Gili-Ross, who masterminded the whole event.

June has been the LRA’s Events Secretary for the last three years and this was her final event before stepping down. She has been an enormous asset to the committee, responsible for organising many memorable and fun events, creating lots of wonderful memories for Loudwater residents. Alex Buxton took the opportunity to thank her for all her hard work and valuable contribution, giving her champagne, a bouquet of flowers and a gift as a token of our appreciation. Jennifer and Zoe are now stepping into the events role and we look forward to collaborating with them over the months ahead.

Further thanks go to all the committee members and their respective other halves who pitched in to make the festivities happen, and to our honorary committee member Kerry Rock who once again was a great help. It was a fantastic afternoon!