Return of Loders village fete hailed 'huge success'

Loders Fete made a triumphant return to Loders Court following a change of plans last year.

Henry Hood launched the celebrations, welcoming visitors to his home at for an occasion that he said, ‘delighted him as a child,’ and which has been a village highlight for more than a century.

Sadly, last year’s event fell victim to wild weather but a highly effective plan B, devised by fete organiser Emily Bourne and her team, rescued the enduring celebration of Loders life, providing a very different alternative that was hailed 'a great success' despite the unusual circumstances. 

This year, however, the event was back in full swing and saw the return of much-loved activities and attractions that have made the occasion so popular over the years.

Coconut Shy (Image: Loders Fete committee)

These included the crockery smash, plant stall, grand raffle, bar, barbecue, book stall, tombola, silent auction, cake stall, the indispensable tea tent, coconut shy, a Made in Loders produce stall, a children’s penalty shootout, human fruit machine, Loders Youth Club’s hook-a-duck, handmade bags of all shapes and sizes, and Loders School PTFA.

A special addition to this year’s fete was a ‘small but fantastic line-up of classic cars displayed by local enthusiasts.’

Fun in the tea tent (Image: Loders Fete committee)

A spokesperson for the fete committee said: “We are indebted to Flora and Henry Hood for their continuing support and tremendous generosity in hosting this highpoint of village life. 

“We would also like to express our gratitude to Emily Bourne, who organised Loders Fete for seven years, for providing such solid foundations before passing the baton for 2024.

"Emily’s experience and expertise were much appreciated, her meticulous plans from earlier fetes proving invaluable to her successors.

“We want to say thank you, too, to all our sponsors and donors for their important contributions; to the stallholders; and to everyone involved in planning, organising, setting up and clearing away – you were all essential and brilliant.

“And a huge thank you to everyone who visited the fete. See you again in August 2025.”

Bidding on the Silent Auction (Image: Loders Fete committee)

There was also a great line-up of live music and children’s entertainment.

A new and quirky competition for bakers was the 'scone-off'.

Popular in years gone by, a family dog show was reintroduced for 2024.

Dog show overall winner; (right) Clarrie (whippet) with owner Liz Moxom and runner up; (left) Bunty (Jack Russell) with owner Mr Hughes. (Image: Loders Fete committee)

The overall champion was Clarrie, a whippet owned by Liz Moxom, of Uploders; reserve, Bunty, a Jack Russell, owned by Mr Hughes, off Bridport. 

The day raised an impressive £15,000, which will go towards supporting Loders Church and other local community organisations.