Cranham Feast 2003

Cranham Feast 2003 was spread over four gorgeously sunny August days. There was a wide range of events and activities, designed to provide something of interest to everyone in the village.

In the run up to the Feast, Cranham Tennis Club and the Feast Committee jointly held a duck race. Click here to see some photos of this event.

 Feast Friday saw an audio-visual presentation in the Village Hall, where the audience saw some great pictures of Cranham and its surrounds, set to music. To complement the slides, a photographic display was set out in the Committee Room, with pictures of our village and it's people past and present. The pictures included some Cranhamers as little children, which caused sighs of nostalgia, a few giggles and the occasional "Hey Jim! Have you seen this one of you?!"

Feast Saturday comprised a fayre on the top of the Common, with a mediaeval flavour. It has been some time since the Feast was held on the Common, more recently being in the cricket field. The change of venue allowed us to spread out the stalls, giving a natural 'centre stage' for the runners of the traditional boundary race. The stalls offered lots of things to do...archery, spikes and horseshoes, maggot racing and the highly popular stocks, to name but a few. The sales of garden produce, herbs, fudge and toffee apples boomed and there was a run on the homemade lemon squash stall (not surprising given the record temperatures). The costumed Cranham Players really enhanced the atmosphere. The Prologue was read as the first slice of venison was carved, the winners of the Boundary races (juniors and adults) received their cups, and thus ended the second day of the 2003 Cranham Feast.

The sun was nowhere to be seen as preparations began for the teas on the Common, early on Feast Sunday afternoon. Indeed the decision was made to hold the Open Air Church service inside the Church. However, as the jazz band struck up, the sun appeared and soon we were complaining that it was too hot. Refreshments sold fast,  particularly the Cranham Pimms

The Village Hall was buzzing for Cranham Feast Dinner on Monday evening. Everyone dressed up, including the tables which looked smashing with their flower decorations. The speaker was popular, telling us about why the Cotswolds is an Area of Natural Beauty. The raffle was drawn, the Feast book (with it's new illustration) was signed, and the Committee got to work clearing up ready for the decorators who were expected the next day.

Click here to see some more of Maurice Snell's pictures of the 2003 Feast

LOST at the Feast: 1 pair ladies sunglasses...FOUND at the Feast...white plant pot (contained mint) and beige tea tray. email kas_stageman@hotmail.com