Rain failed to damper Chailey's Harvest Festival

An inaugural Harvest Festival, held last Saturday (13th September) at the 5 Bells in Chailey, proved to be a phenomenal success despite the rain.

Fortunately, the weather eased just in time for the sun to shine on the Chailey community as many joined the occasion from the village and surrounding areas.

The event, organised by Tom Stovold and Melle Routledge (landlady) put on an impressive selection of local ales and a variety of ciders plus high quality burgers and hot dogs cooked on site by Alfie, the pub's chef.

Chailey Classic and Vintage Tractor Club were partners in the organisation of the day with an impressive display of classic and vintage tractors. 

A tug of war competition followed involving both adults and children and interestingly church records show a similar event celebrating the Harvest taking place just 7 days apart in the church way back in 1930... !

On this occasion Chailey, well known for its Heritage centres caring for the less fortunate, really brought together the community in a sprit of village 'togetherness'.

CTC's vintage tractors were supported by a local steam traction engine and local contribution in the garden comprised charity stalls, a display of honey bees with locally produced honey and not least a pen of lambs with a guess the weight competition. The kids loved it... !

Music was another key factor in the programme and local bands played throughout the day. The Reverend Paul Mundy blessed the Harvest followed by an impressive performance by Chailey's Church choir.

All proceeds will be divided between Chailey Tractor Club and a designated charity.

With a massive thank you to the owners of the adjoining field whose kind help and cooperation made it available for the weekend, the Chailey community were able to come together in good spirit to celebrate the Harvest and in turn support the village's very last pub