Gittisham Fete a ‘Quacking’ Success Despite the Rain
Gittisham’s annual fete, held on Saturday, August 30th, was a resounding success, drawing over 500 visitors despite the damp weather (great for ducks). The event kicked off with a grand opening by Honiton’s Town Crier, Caroline, setting a lively tone that continued throughout the day.
The air was filled with music and merriment, featuring a medley of pieces by the Honiton Town Band, vibrant performances from the Otter Morris Dancers, and the energetic sounds of the Exeter Street Band. The stalls were a fantastic sight, stretching from the Village Hall, where fantastic traditional cream teas were served (which raised nearly half the funds!), all the way up to the Church, which hosted a display titled “Gittisham Memories,” showcasing the village’s history.
Attendees also enjoyed a variety of other attractions, including classic cars and live blacksmithing demonstrations from Gittisham’s very own forge.
A brief pause in the rain allowed for the highly anticipated Dog Show, judged by Maryanne from Vale Vets. The competition was fierce, with many great entries making for some very tough decisionns. A particularly amusing moment came during the “Best 6 Legs” category, which was won by Len, who in a display of true British grit, was sporting shorts despite the downpour.
The Dog Show took place in Will’s field, which was also home to more stands. These included the Poetry stand, where Anne created a fantastic poem about the event, which was read out the following day.
There was also the popular Goat-O-Booth, where both children and adults got selfies with the gorgeous goats.
The day’s highlight was the Great Duck Race, which commenced at 4:48 PM after the sluice was opened. Spectators cheered as the ducks raced down the River Gitt, navigating obstacles and vying for the lead.
The champion duck was plucked from the water by Finley, a 10-year-old volunteer who was an integral part of the day’s operations.
Finley was recognized as a true star, assisting with everything from setup and parking to radio commentary and the final rescue of the winning duck.
Thanks to the community’s support, the fete raised just over £2,000, a fantastic achievement given the weather. The funds will go towards the maintenance of the Church and the Village Hall, two key community buildings.
The fete will return next year on Saturday, September 5th, 2026. More details about the event will be announced in the new year.
There are also lots of great events coming up in the Gittisham Village Hall soon. Be sure to check the Gittisham website and Facebook page for more details,
The success of the fete was made possible by the hard work of the many volunteers, parishioners & bakers, also the generous support of the sponsors, including the Parish Council, Carter Dawes, Combe Estate & Shermans Farm, Vale Vets, The Pig, Combe Garden Centre, Otter Nurseries, Joshuas, Devon Vale, Hare and Hounds, Norman Lockyer Observatory, Heron Farm, and OneStop Shop.
– Alex Rowe & The Gittisham Fete Committee
Images by Alex, Robert, Toni, Carla, Gary, Stella & Damian
