The Wolverton Express September 9th 1960

A “QUEEN” SHELTERS IN A GRAIN BARN

Queen - Maureen Synott crowned by Carole Keeves
Queen - Maureen Synott crowned by Carole Keeves, with her attendants, Kevin Ray (9), Susan Frost (8), Judith Grace (8), Jane Scripps (6), Marlene Tapp (10)
Left to right: Kevin Ray (9), Susan Frost (8), Judith Grace (8), Jane Scripps (6), Marlene Tapp (10)

A farmer’s misfortune turned out to be a village’s good luck at Castlethorpe on Saturday. If the weather during the summer had been better, the barn of The Lodge, owned by Mr. J. E. Whiting, would have filled with corn from the harvest.

The Queen and her attendants arriving at the The Lodge barn.
The Queen and her attendants arriving at the The Lodge barn.
Happily for the Village Hall Committee, the barn was empty – and they were able to hold their fete’s opening ceremony under cover instead of on the rain-soaked lawn.
The large, ancient, barn was also a stage for the fancy dress judging, and dancing by the children of the Castlethorpe Primary School.
For the second time in three years, Maureen Synott, who also won Miss Deanshanger Beauty Competition for 1960, was Miss Castlethorpe. Her attendants were Marlene Tapp aged (10), Judith Grace (8), Jane Scripps (6), and Susan Frost (8). Nine year old Kevin Ray was the page boy.
Before a parade round the village led by Potterpury Silver Prize Band conductor, Mr. Reg Atkins, the decorated float carrying the Queen and her attendants, stood on the Square where last year’s Queen Carol Keeves performed the crowning ceremony. Members of the Committee acted as collectors on route.
The fete was opened by Mrs. J. J. Cannon of Castlethorpe, who was introduced by Mr. A. J. Cowley, committee Chairman.
Mr. Cowley said that last year they had raised a total of £70 which had been spent on an electric heating system for the hall.
The total of Saturday’s effort was over £112 and this will go towards making more improvements to the hall.
The hall committee represents all of the most active organisations in the village.” Said, Mr. Cowley. “we, try to make life for the village a little bit easier”. He thanked those who had helped to organise the fete, especially Mr. Ron West, the secretary.
A bouquet was presented to Mrs. Cannon, by Maureen Synnott, Mrs. Cannon presented Maureen and her attendants with small gifts.
Mr. Tom West then thanked Mrs. Cannon on behalf of the Hall Committee and everyone present. He also thanked Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Whiting, who he said, had never refused the loan of their grounds on the numerous occasions that they had been asked.

A fancy dress competition marshalled by Mr. T. West and Mr. B. C. Tapp attracted a surprisingly small number of entries for Castlethorpe has become well known for a large turn-out.

Castlethorpe Fete 1960 - fancy dress competitors
A group of fancy dress competitors waiting to be judged

Judges of the competition were: Mrs. J. J. Cannon, Mrs. F. Whiting and Mrs. J. E. Whiting, and winners were: 1 to 5 years, 1. Diane West (night attire), 2. Annette Nicholls (Olympic Swimmer), 3. Estelle Tapp (Dolls Carnival ); 5 to 12. 1. Irene Sibthorpe (Billy Bunter), 2. Sally Cooper (drink-a-pinta-milka-day), 3. Ann Scripps (Olympic Runner); 12 years and upwards, equal first Carol Stevens and Pat Lane (girls from St. Trinians), and Kenneth Evans (Gert and Flirt). The prize for most original entry went to Estelle Tapp with her Doll’s Carnival, a replica in miniature of the decorated float with dolls representing the Queen and her attendants.

Members of the public sheltering from the weather in the barn at The Lodge
Members of the public sheltering from the weather, in Mr. Whiting's barn, at The Lodge.
A Punch and Judy show was given by Mr. Jesse Daniells of Emberton.
During the evening, a social and dance was held in the village hall.
Stallholders were: Competition, Mesdames J. Sawbridge, D. A. Ward, and A Lane, pound stall, Mrs. E. Mcmillan and Mrs. J. Robinson; homemade cakes, Mrs. F. Keeves, and Mrs. F. Synnott; competitions, John West, Pat Bates, R. Brown, and Christine Ward; housey-housey, Mr. D. Coles and Mr. N. West; spinning jenny, Mr. A. J. Bavington and Mr. F. Keeves; pony rides, Eileen Sibthorpe; teas, Mesdames, E. Homer, N. West, T. West, H. Gray, D. Pittam, A. J. Cowley, R. Coey, H. Homer, B. Evans, G. White, F. Bavington, and P. St. John; gate steward Mr. F. Sawbridge.

Mrs. J. E. Whiting, Mrs. Cannon, Mrs. J. E. Whiting, Kevin Ray, Jane Scripps, Marlene Tapp, Susan Frost, Judith Grace, Maureen Synnott
Mrs. J. E. Whiting, Mrs. Cannon, Mrs. J. E. Whiting
Kevin Ray, Jane Scripps, Marlene Tapp
Susan Frost, Judith Grace, Maureen Synnott