What a week, really hot and it was good to see people out and about enjoying the many activities during the week.

Grantham Big Band provided a rousing opening to Feast Week at the Village Hall on Saturday night and Sunday was busy across the village with a 20 Garage Sales attracting a lot of interest from outside the village. The children enjoyed the Picture Treasure Hunt and the Village Hall was on hand to provide Teas and Cakes and a chance to sit in some shade!

Songs of Praise at St.Andrews Church was well attended and closing Sunday Feast Week activities was the Big Quiz at the White Lion Inn.

The Pig Race at the White Lion Inn on Monday was enjoyed by children and adults, with Emily Martin showing everyone how to win! Please note that no pigs were hurt during this game!!

The Rutland Morris Men performed at the White Lion Inn and audience participation made it all the more entertaining. No names to protect the embarrassed!!

Tuesday saw the Sports Club hosting a variety of activities including a display of classic cars and bikes, along with The Lionheart Company of Bowman displaying their archery skills. The burgers were particularly tasty too!

The W.I put on a fashion show at the Village Hall on Tuesday evening and I understand there were a few bargains to be had!

That popular Feast Week favourite “Whissendine’s Got Talent” on Wednesday at the Village Hall was the place to see Whissendine’s rising stars performing their dancing and singing skills. We should be proud that we have some very talented musicians in the village. A very entertaining evening organised by Sue Archer and her team.

Afternoon Teas at The White Lodge went well on Thursday afternoon, followed by the Duck Race at the White Lion Inn. Because the of the low water level in the brook, we had to turn to alternative methods of “helping” the 200 ducks around the course. So, Dave Wragg drew the short straw, donned the waders and with his trusty leaf blower pushed the ducks through the course. “Bob” the duck was first across the line, winning Juliette Taylor a £25 first prize! Let’s hope that there will be a bit more water in the brook by next year’s Duck Race!

Friday is Whissendine 6ix Road Race attracting a record 300 runners. The Green was packed with stalls -The Brownies provided the sausages for the Sausage Sizzle, the W.I did a book stall, Ferneley’s Ice Creams were selling like “hot cakes” and Nirav from the shop had a selection of water, snacks & crisps available.

The winners of the Children’s Picture Treasure Hunt were announced as follows; Liana Wardhaugh, Gina Busolin, Oskar & Lilliana Stewart, Amy & Freddie Bull, Lewis Clarke, Thomas Cawdron, Abi, Ella & William Peasgood, Melody & Flynn Kirby and Connor Murphy all receiving a tasty treat.

There were 15 scarecrows entered into the Scarecrow competition and the judge had to travel around the village to find the best one. The winning entry was by Carmela and her granddaughter Ellie for their baking inspired scarecrow. They won a £10 Amazon voucher.

Saturday night at The White Lion Inn hosted the Feast Week “For One Night Only!” party with live music from Premier Cru. Other entertainment during the evening was the ever popular Heads n’ Tails presided over by Mike Dickinson. The bottle of whisky was won by the Premier Cru singer!

Dave & Phil from STARS entertained us with a two hander featuring Phil as Picasso and David in a “stunning” outfit as his model. What can you say!!

Something new this year from the Feast Week committee was “Play Your Cards Right” along with “Brucie” masks. Good fun was had by all and it may well be seen again for next year, by which time we will have mastered the rules!

The final event of Feast Week was the “Fun Day” on Sunday at the Sports Club with the model railway, bouncy castle, BBQ & bar. Unfortunately, the dog agility show was cancelled due to the heat. The high temperature may have also had an effect on the low turnout.

At around 3.30 the RAF Dakota flew over and did 3 passes. A wonderful sight, well worth waiting for.

The Feast Week committee would like to take this opportunity to thanks all those that took part and hosted Feast Week events. Also many thanks to all those that have donated generously to Feast Week fundraising through buying raffle tickets, event tickets, garage sale donations, proceeds from the Duck Race and Pig race.

All funds raised during Feast Week are donated within the village to support village activities. We also deliver Christmas Hampers to Whissendine residents over the age of 85 every other year. Feast Week donate funds to Air Ambulance and Macmillan Nurses.

Dakota flypast at the Sports Club