Shailesh Vara MP opened the St Thomas a Becket and St Mary’s Church Fete last Saturday at Abbey Green, Ramsey.

Despite the threat of a thunderstorm, the weather held up and hundreds of people attended the event. But the organisers had made contingency plans with the Revd Canon Richard Darmody having agreed to hold the fete in St Thomas a Becket Church in the event of a downpour.

Mr Vara officially opened the fete and also judged the best dog categories. In his speech, he thanked the organisers and many volunteers looking after the various stalls, which included: MacMillan Cancer Support, the Rotary Club of Ramsey, a tombola and book sale, as well as the ever popular stall selling cakes.

For entertainment there was also the Cambridgeshire Caledonian Pipe Band as well as Junior Cheerleaders from Ashbeach Primary School in Ramsey St Mary’s.

The Total amount raised for the two churches was in excess of £2,000.

Mr Vara commented:

“It was a real pleasure to open the fete and it was heartening to see so many people coming along. It was certainly a day for the whole family. The Church plays such an important role in the local community and the funds raised are very important in helping to support the general running of both churches.”

Mr Robin Macpherson, of the fete organising committee said,

“The fun dog show was a tremendous success, and was very popular. The Cambridgeshire Caledonian Pipe Band marched and played very stirring music, and the Junior Cheerleaders from Ashbeach Primary School, Ramsey St Mary’s were excellent, with ages ranging from 5-8 years old. They had only been performing for a few weeks under the tutelage of Ms Sarah Carr. It was an excellent day supported by the whole community.”