Fun in the sun at events across the county

FAMILIES had fun in the sun yesterday at Oxford’s first Risinghurst and Sandhills community fete.

The local celebration was the idea of grandmother-of-five and parish councillor Barbara Naylor.

Mrs Naylor, 71, has lived in Risinghurst for 48 years and been helping her community for most of that time.

Yesterday her local celebration featured a dog talent show, dancing, demonstrations, a barbecue, live music, a children’s fun fair and races.

Expression dance group tested out some routines from their next show, E Motion, which will be staged at the Old Fire Station in George Street, Oxford, next month.

Emily Thresher, 15, from Appleton, near Abingdon, said: “I think people enjoyed it.

“It was a good atmosphere and there was a lot going on – before us there was a rapper.”

DANCE: Members of Expression go through their routine. From left, Emily Thresher, 15, Leanne Boulton, 20, and Chantelle Mak, 15. Below, Barbara Naylor, left, with Roz Smith

Jericho Street Fair

MUSICIANS, street vendors and sumo wrestlers were among hundreds of people who enjoyed the Jericho Street Fair.

People filled Canal Street from midday until 9pm on Saturday.

First-time performer Rory Evans, from Didcot, plucked some instrumental guitar tunes.

The 17-year-old, who is studying guitar building at London’s Morden College, said: “I had never been before but it was great, a really nice atmosphere. I stayed there all day.”

He said he particularly enjoyed watching hula band the Honalulu Cowboys.

Natasha and Jonathan Flemming have lived in Temple Cowley for seven years, but they, too, were first time visitors to the fair.

They took their eight-week-old daughter Elizabeth.

Mrs Flemming said: “We had some delicious crepes at the Old Bookbinders pub and listened to two bands, who were both really good.

“Elizabeth enjoys live music, but the louder the better. It was a lovely day.”

Gabrielle Bergin-Cartwright, 21, a student from North Oxford, added: “The Bookbinders and the Harcourt Arms had both really opened up and embraced the community.”

GUITAR MAN: Musician Rory Evans, 17, entertains the crowd. Below, Funny bee

Burford Festival/Cotswold Heritage Fair

TEN days of fun and festivities in the historic West Oxfordshire town of Burford got off to a flying start at the weekend.

The bi-annual Burford Festival launched on Friday with a reception hosted by town mayor John White, while events got under way in earnest on Saturday with the Cotswold Heritage Fair.

Hundreds of people enjoyed stalls from local businesses and suppliers showing off food, drink and crafts, with enter-tainment from Towersey Morris, a town crier, a barrel organ and local bands.

Among those taking part in the action was Pete Chaunt, chairman of the Oxfordshire Beekeepers’ Association.

Mr Chaunt brought along an ‘observation hive’ – complete with queen bee. He said: “You can actually carry bees around to things like shows and fetes.

“The first thing we say to children is ‘can you spot the queen bee’ and it always goes down well.”

Mr Chaunt said the association attended the event each year.

He added: “There was music in the background and various stalls selling products such as local cheeses.

“It’s not one of the biggest shows in Oxfordshire, but it’s very friendly, and we had lots of people coming up and asking questions about bees.”

Other events coming up include a lunch for older residents, creative writing workshops, author talks, a children’s party, music and open gardens.

Two Coronation Jubilee concerts were held as part of the festival on Sunday.

BUSY BEE: Peter Chaunt with his workers and honey. Below, Town crier Anthony Church

Bicester Heritage Fun Day

A TASTE of the past was offered in Bicester town centre on Saturday.

Penny farthings patrolled the streets of Crown Walk, while people could have their pictures taken in a vintage photo booth and enjoy old-fashioned cream teas.

It was part of a series of events leading up to the opening of the town centre redevelopment.

They were organised by Sainsbury’s, traders and the Bicester Village retail park.

Among those enjoying the activities was Tami Parker, 41, from Bicester, and her daughters Freya, nine, and Lauren, 13.

Mrs Parker, who runs Heart and Soul vintage shop, said: “It was a really good day, we really enjoyed it.”

SPECS APPEAL: Freya Parker, nine, and her mum Tami, 41, try on some
extra large fashion accessories for size. Below, Below, Cutting a dash on a miniature penny farthing bicycle