HAMSTERLEY HOPPINGS ENJOYS GOOD WEATHER AND LARGE CROWD
THIS year’s annual Hoppings at Hamsterley enjoyed good weather in direct contrast to last year
when wind and rain all but spoilt it.
The little band of village volunteers, led by Claire Hunter, managed to organise and set up an
excellent show with something for everyone and for all ages. With Simon Raine on the microphone
ensuring everyone knew what was available, the large crowd enjoyed all on offer.
The entertainment was certainly varied and interesting. The funfair entertained the children, as
did the traditional races later on in the day. The stalls included some fascinating vintage and antique
items as well as charity stalls, home-made crafts and foodstuffs, especially Hamsterley Honey. The
ever-present Heather Richardson working hard, as usual, on the fundraising stall for the village
Methodist chapel, which is under threat. A young man from Woodland was there with his exotic
pets. Leon’s Exotics is his business and he offers interactive shows, school visits, attendance at
parties and events like this one with his reptiles.
The campaigners against the current planning application to add scores of cabins to the forest
itself, which is an international tourist attraction, mainly because of its tranquillity were there too.
The Action Group had a stall and posters all around the village rallying against the planned cabins
and Go Ape activity centre, which they say will destroy the peace in the forest, destroy wildlife and
habitats, increase traffic and have a negative impact on the existing tourism businesses in the area.
The references to the traffic and roads were poignant as the three-year long closure of the main
road into the village had impacted on the visitors travelling to the Hoppings. Nevertheless, they were
all treated to some spectacular scarecrows, which were dotted all around the road through the
village itself.
The village hall was busy with the annual produce show and afternoon teas, provided by the
Hamsterley Forest Action Group, raising money to pay Barrister fees. And to the north side of the
hall, a range of classic and vintage cars and tractors were a popular attraction. There were classic
games too like giant skittles and a coconut shie. Live music added to the fun, which could be heard
around the area – truly something for everyone.
Hamsterley Hoppings is always an excellent example of a traditional village event with a lot of
hard work and planning by the little band of volunteers who give up their time to help and amuse
villagers and visitors.
Well done, Hamsterley! Can’t wait for next year.
