THE annual Hoppings took place at Hamsterley on Sunday with the crowds flocking there despite the difficult and elongated diversionary routes into the village.
With live music, vintage cars, tractors, stalls, traditional games and so much more, it was an absolute treat for all the family.
Simon Raine was on hand with his dodgy microphone (not that he needs one!) keeping the crowds informed of all that was on offer and which included stalls galore – some raising funds for charities like the village’s Churches Together, and Carol Oulton selling her home-made wares in aid of the farming charity, RABI while there were also trade stands too. Inside the village hall there was more to see as well as enjoy a home-made afternoon tea.
The children were well catered for with a fun fair, face-painting and an ice cream van among other entertainments.
The church ladies on their fundraising stall.
Mr Smith who now lives in Wolsingham
The live music kicked off with the duo, ‘Two Local Blokes’, a couple of pensioners playing their instruments and singing a variety of tunes. They were very popular and were followed by a ukelele band. The Hoppings is nothing if not diverse! Wonderfully simple entertainment that delights all ages that even included exotic animals from Leon’s Exotics.
Former village residents returned to give their support and enjoy a trip down memory lane, including Mr Smith – there are lots of Smith families in Hamsterley – who was in his element remembering his childhood days. These included going to school in what is now the village hall and the village green used to stage this event being the school field at one point where cows grazed and the boys played football on the cow muck! A local farmer also used it for grazing! The present public toilet block that was once the domain of the local blacksmith. Reminisces like these should be heard and recorded…
Mr Smith was holding two coconuts that he’d won, shotting from the comfort of his wheelchair and remembering how he was always a good shot – being paid in his younger days by others to win them coconuts too! He had many memories of the old Hoppings before it was revived around 15 years ago. He never misses this local event and the opportunity to ‘come home’.
Two Local Blokes
Julia Hunter
The Hoppings is more than just a late Summer show – it is so much more both for former and present residents as well as the wider community. Visitors came from Teesdale, Bishop Auckland and upper Weardale to attend and enjoy it along with the many caravanners who raise the population during the Summer months. Every person there found something to interest them and enjoy.
It may appear to be a simple village show but it is so much more than that and takes a whole year to organise!
Simon Raine
The traditional games got underway before the rain came with the laughter drifting across the fells – probably heard in the valleys below! Along the main road through the village, the scarecrow competition raised a smile too.
The good folk of Hamsterley really know how to entertain. Well done one and all for the organisation and hard work that goes into this annual feast of entertainment.
Lesley Panton from Stanhope offering her home-made wares.
Leon’s Exotics stall – a Rankin Dragon.
Carol Oulton raising money for RABI to help farmers.
One of the scarecrows
