Thank you to everyone who was able to attend The Fete AGM on 26th November. T here was a great turnout to celebrate the distribution of fete profits, just shy of £12,500 to our village community organisations. We were delighted to hear how our fete profits will benefit the 10 community groups and how each planned to use their funding.

• Abbotts Ann Primary School will pay for a theatre group to perform a Christmas Pantomime at the school and the remainder towards music lessons for pupils.
• WI will benefit by paying for a variety of speakers to attend WI meetings which could be enjoyed by WI and non members throughout the year.
• The Community Village Shop will put funding towards a new coffee machine
• The Players will invest in a new storage unit for all their costumes/ props/ scenery etc
• The Village Hall Committee will use to refurbish the village hall stage area.
• St Mary’s Church will put funding towards updating their audio and visual equipment
• The Bellringers will invest in a new bell rope
• FOTAAS will use their fete grant to increase their fundraising efforts to support the Parish Council with their plan to build a new community clubhouse and provide improved recreational facilities for all on Bulbery Sports field.
• The handbells group will use money towards new music.
• The Nursery will benefit from putting funding towards staff training to provide additional support for any children with autism spectrum conditions and speech delays and towards purchasing a new drinking water station and lunch trolley.

We were also delighted to distribute £150 to both the 2nd Andover Sea Scouts and the Andover Police Cadets for their wonderful assistance at last year’s fete. Both organisations have confirmed they are pleased to help us in 2026.

Bluebird Care our main 2025 fete sponsor have also confirmed their assistance for Fete 2026.

At the AGM it was also a pleasure to acknowledge all the winners of the 2025 Fete Show and especially to publicly congratulate Jane Wiggs as the worthy winner of the Hibbert Cup.

Jane has been involved in our community for many years holding vital roles in various organisations and her fete dedication over the years has been superb. Thank you Jane.

Our Elected Fete Committee Officers, Beth Deacon, Davina Doherty and Judith Cole worked tirelessly to ensure the fete success together with other fete committee members representing the 10 village community organisations plus independent fete committee members who run other vital fete activities.

However, the success of Fete 25 would not have been possible without so many other people. A massive thank you to all those who contributed in any way and to our Fete visitors and families who come along to support us and enjoy everything we offer.

Following a written confirmation from the Abbotts Ann Parish Council Chairman referencing potential building works at Bulbery commencing in 2026 it was decided to hold this year’s fete once again in the village centre on Saturday September 5th.

We will hold our first 2026 Fete Committee meeting on Wednesday 18th March in the Eagle Inn at 7.30pm .

Although we have a wonderful dedicated fete committee we are very keen to invite new members and more village volunteers.

We are particularly looking for a volunteer to take on the role of running the BBQ on fete day. We’d love to see you on 18th March but if you’re not keen on committees then please contact me separately so we can discuss where your volunteer assistance could be used. Thank you.

Although we are always keeping fete day as our main goal, we also organise the Plant Sale as an important start to fete fundraising. This year the Plant Sale will be held on Saturday May 16th at the Village Hall 10am. There will be a variety of plants for sale, a raffle and some indoor stalls and refreshments available. We are always very grateful for your own garden contributions which are much appreciated. We have so many talented gardeners in our midst!!

Thank you for your fete support last year and I look forward to your continued support for Fete 2026.

Best wishes

Anne

Anne Cunningham Fete Chair
Mobile 07718900856 anne.cunningham@abbottsann.com