Marvellous May Day in Heyshott

Bank Holiday Monday saw the small village of Heyshott come alive with a traditional May Day event.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2016, 15:02 BST
Updated 3rd May 2016, 21:57 BST

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May Queen Lily, nine, with her attendants, Naomi, nine, and Charlotte, five. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000608-1May Queen Lily, nine, with her attendants, Naomi, nine, and Charlotte, five. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000608-1
May Queen Lily, nine, with her attendants, Naomi, nine, and Charlotte, five. Pictures: Kate Shemilt ks16000608-1

Those who braved the chilly weather were rewarded with an enjoyable day out and luckily the rain stayed away.

The crowning of the May Queen, Lily Shotter, by the new rector of the parish, the Rev Linda Robertson, opened the proceedings.

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Then the Heyshott Toddler Group entertained the crowds by dancing around the may pole.

ks16000608-4 Taking turns at the bob apple stall, Todd Spence, eight, Joseph Steyn, ten, and Jasper Steyn, eightks16000608-4 Taking turns at the bob apple stall, Todd Spence, eight, Joseph Steyn, ten, and Jasper Steyn, eight
ks16000608-4 Taking turns at the bob apple stall, Todd Spence, eight, Joseph Steyn, ten, and Jasper Steyn, eight

Lily, who lives in Fernhurst but whose grandparents and extended family have lived in the village for generations, was able to watch while sitting on her beautiful throne, made by Lucy Wilson.

The May Queen’s attendants were Naomi, nine, and Charlotte, five.

Apollo Archery kept the children entertained, along with games, such as apple bobbing and splat the rat.

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The most anticipated event of the day was the ‘just for fun’ dog show.

ks16000608-4 Taking turns at the bob apple stall, Todd Spence, eight, Joseph Steyn, ten, and Jasper Steyn, eightks16000608-4 Taking turns at the bob apple stall, Todd Spence, eight, Joseph Steyn, ten, and Jasper Steyn, eight
ks16000608-4 Taking turns at the bob apple stall, Todd Spence, eight, Joseph Steyn, ten, and Jasper Steyn, eight

The fancy dress class was won for the second year running by Anthea Phillip, who this year was the Lone Ranger, with her dogs Lily and Hugo dressed as a horse and an Indian.

The May Day celebrations were organised by the Heyshott Bonfire Committee.

They revived the tradition last year and it was such a success,they decided to repeat the celebrations this year.

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Laura Parry, chairman, said: “Everyone was well fed with hot dogs and a delicious selection of homemade cake donated by villagers.

“A fun day was had by all. We are looking forward to a hopefully warmer day next year.”

Heyshott Bonfire is a village tradition, spanning more than 60 years. Every year, a spectacular torchlit procession leads the way to the main event, a great bonfire and firework display.

Follow Heyshott Bonfire on Facebook to keep up to date.

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