The Paris(h) Olympics

A FAMILY were triumphant at this year’s Olympic-themed Remenham Fayre on Sunday.

Dubbed the Paris(h) Olympics, the Cleaver family took home six certificates and two cups across three categories at the produce and art show. Kelly Cleaver, 33, a housekeeper, entered eight classes and won five for her mammoth vegetable, bouquet garni from homegrown herbs, an arrangement from the hedgerow, tallest sunflower and a knitted animal. She received a cup prize in the fruit and vegetable and floral display categories.

Her husband Russell, 42, a drone pilot, won in one class in the arts and crafts category, with a photograph of Remenham. His aerial image showed Remenham Church at around 4am during a summer’s sunrise. Mrs Cleaver dedicated her winnings to her 72-year-old mother-in-law, Annette, who said: “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have these beautiful flowers. The flowers were picked yesterday so didn’t take very long and the cakes took me around three or four hours.

“I wasn’t really expecting to win this year because I expected there to be a lot more entries and I always have a nemesis, Pru Sly, because we’re both cake makers.”

There was a new drinks category this year and there were two entries, Mark Stevens and Madeline Duffy. They had to prepare their cocktail or mocktail on the day in front of the judge for tasting. The winner was awarded based on their mixology skills, taste and presentation.

Mrs Duffy entered with a cocktail she called the Henley Wobbler but Mr Stevens won for producing his wife Pru’s favourite cocktail, which was grapefruit flavoured. Mrs Duffy, who did win the mocktail class, also won the baking and cooking cup, a single rose in a vase category and and for her five Olympic-themed biscuits. She also won for her jam of homemade preserve.

Other winners included David Morgan for producing three homegrown fruits or vegetables, Sarah West for her floral display, Martha Lowe for her five Olympic themed jam tarts, and Pru Sly for any sweet cake or tray bake, made by two generations.

Away from the show tents, more than 150 residents enjoyed a myriad of themed activities hosted in the gardens of Remenham parish hall. There were a sack, egg and spoon, three-legged and hoop jump races and a tug-of-war with children and adults on either side, including Fr Jeremy Tayler, the rector of Remenham. Bill Ronald, chairman of the parish council, joked: Fr Jeremy was giving more strength to one team because he had “God on his side”.

Two sisters triumphed in the Olympic fancy dress competition, coming in first and second place. Zoe Binney, who also won a cup for her artwork in the children’ s drawing competition, secured top spot by dressing as a gymnast. She wore a blue gradient leotard with her hair scraped back in a bun while her younger sister, Mya, four, was runner-up wearing a frilled flamingo swimming costume with matching pink goggles.

More than a dozen dogs were entered into the show to win various categories including best tricks, fabulous fellas and fastest sausage catcher. Maggie Harrison, 78, who is retired and lives in Remenham, entered her St Lucian rescue dog, Chilie, for the second year running.

Last year, when she had only had her for three months, she was placed second in the prettiest lady category, but this time she won. Ms Harrison, who lived in St Lucia for 10 years, noticed Chilie at St Lucia Animal Protection Society. She said: “I knew I had to go get her. She was short-haired and her tail was like a rat’s, there was none of this fur.

“She had been a stray and had multiple litters because her teats were on the floor, she was found near a deserted hotel with her latest litter and they immediately took her in. “Within two weeks of getting her home, the tip of her tail developed a little feather, and I watched and this whole tail refurred and all this hair from nutrition and security came alive. “She’s the most amazing dog, she’s the most loving, grateful and snuggly dog I have ever had.”

There was also a tombola and a raffle and tea and cakes provided by the Remenham WI. Stalls sold bric-a-brac and items for children including teddy bears and there was a crockery smash.

Fr Jeremy closed the day’s events with a speech, thanking helpers and those who attended, and they responded with applause. He said: “There are far too many people to thank by name, but there are a few people who I do need to highlight. The parish committee gives a lot of time and energy into making things happen down here.

“Thank you to everybody running stalls, everybody on food and drink and everybody who has been involved. Thank you to everybody for coming, because this would be a total waste of time if you didn’t turn up and be a part of this.”

The amount raised from the fayre is still being counted and proceeds will go towards ongoing maintenance and removation of the parish hall.