So the dust has settled and Summer already feels like a distant memory. How lucky were we with the weather on 25th September?
It was fantastic to see so many local people out and about to enjoy Music, Art & Food on the Water and it has been heart-warming to see and hear so many positive comments about the event. The majority have commented on a great atmosphere and how good it was to see the community so well represented.
Sadly, we were not able to satisfy those who had perhaps grander expectations than those we set out with! We were definitely not seeking to lay on a “Festival” in the heart of the village.
The intention was to have a number of dispersed, coordinated and themed activities around the village so there might be something for almost everyone to enjoy. But sufficiently low-key so as not to be too obviously attractive to visitors. This one was for us!
The scene-stealing moment had to be the performance of the youngsters from the Primary School and a big shout out to Tori Teague and her colleagues for organising this and the fabulous display of children’s artwork.
The support and encouragement of both School Heads, John Jones and Will Morgan, and the Parish Council from the outset was instrumental in making this event the success that it was.
So too was the participation of the many community and volunteer groups and we recognise that sadly some were not able to make it because they were unable to staff their stands and others would have loved to participate. (Next time hopefully we’ll get everyone together!)
Of course, none of it what have been possible without financial support to cover hire of the Victoria Hall, road closure, First Aid provision, public liability insurance, leaflet printing and distribution to local residents by Royal Mail and various other logistical bits and bobs that was generously contributed.
So, thank you to:
- Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council
- Cotswold District Council
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Bourton-on-the-Water Primary School
- Bourton-on-the-Water Visitor Information Centre
- Bourton Browser (for a full page to promote the event to residents)
- Super Lemon Ltd (Tony and Ian for super reasonable rates in printing of our flyers)
- Cotswolds Radio (for covering the event and broadcasting to the community including interviewing by County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson)
- Everyone who made Bourton’s Got Talent possible especially those that got on stage and performed! (Especially the Panto Group for making the stage so lovely.
- The Street Food vendors, especially Smiths of Bourton and Aroma who participated whilst their businesses were also open. Given the staffing challenges the hospitality sector is experiencing, it was wonderful that you were able to make it. Sadly, others who had hoped to be there had to drop out.
- All the musical acts that participated outside the Victoria Hall and in local venues and those venues too!
- Kathleen Cronin for looking after the Art displays
- Leanne and Justin Launchbury, Martin and Helen Macklin for their support in marshalling the road closure
- Pulhams Coaches, Hacklings Storage and Distribution, The Old New Inn, Cotswolds Ice Cream and The Lansdowne B&B for their financial support.
I’d like to acknowledge the super efforts of a core organising team of Carol Groom, Lynda Hicks, Allan Hymers, Jill Hymers, Andrew Lund-Yates and Diana Ray, with inputs from Jessica Smith, Martin Macklin, Clare and Graham Keyte, without whom it would not have been possible to pull this together in a two month time-frame. You were awesome!
Finally, many thanks to all of you who came out to enjoy your village on a sunny late September evening!