Yet again, we had a marvellous fete day in Compton Dando on 6th July, despite a heavy shower right on the dot of 3pm, when we all got a little wet. The sun soon came out again, though.
Thank you to everyone who came, we could tell that you were having a good time by the ambient noise. We had the fantastic South Bristol Ukes band playing several sessions during the afternoon, much to the delight of the crowd – we have booked them again for next year.
Our Master of Ceremonies, Jonathan Foyle commented as the excitement grew to fever pitch for the annual Duck Race. The torrent of water, helped by the previous night’s downpour, swept numbers 237, 224, and 127 to the finishing line. There were 8 lucky prize winners, as we sold over 700 tickets.
Amongst the other competition winners were: Fiona and Simon Gregg Smith for the Egg Catching; Jim and Oscar for top scores in the Skittles event; Julia Dalby who correctly named the Doll – Clara, Julia’s granddaughter’s name! and Ella McCarthy won the Best Bracelet competition. As usual we were fortunate to have some wonderful donated Raffle Prizes from local businesses and individuals and 7 village families were in the mix of 17 different prizes.
A huge thank you goes to Phillip Gentle, and his team of helpers, for organizing the fete. It takes a lot of background work for several months to put on an afternoon’s entertainment. An especial thank you to the set-up team who turned out in the pouring rain on the Friday evening to put up the marquees and gazebos. As you will see from one of the photos, the wind thwarted us overnight, so a bit of handiwork was required to put everything to rights in the morning.
As usual, next year’s fete will be on the first Saturday in July, that is the 5th. Put it in your diary now.

Join us on Sunday 7th May 1pm

Thanks to everyone who came to the evening: nearly 50 people attended. The winners were Atrophy, and the wooden spoons were Clayley Clots.

Special public meeting – discover how to stop the supersized digester plant

A few months ago, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Planning Committee unanimously rejected a planning application to build a supersized anaerobic digester plant, south east of Compton Dando as you head to Keynsham.  This decision was welcomed not only by residents but also councillors from all parties, the local Conservative MP and the Labour West of England Metro Mayor.

Unfortunately, that is not the end of the matter because the developer, Resourceful Energy Anaerobic Limited (REAL), have lodged an appeal against that overwhelming democratic decision.  A renewed campaign to counter the developer’s attempt to override local democracy is now needed.  This is being led by Protect Our Keynsham Environment (POKE) – the group behind the highly successful campaign to oppose this development at the earlier planning stage.  POKE have already got off to a flying start, calling for money to fight the appeal at a 3-week public planning inquiry starting in October 2022.

POKE is holding a residents meeting on Monday, 27^th June at Compton Dando Hall from 7pm to 8pm to provide an update of what POKE has done so far, what they intend to do to fight the appeal and what you and the public can do to help.  The meeting will include a question-and-answer session where representatives of POKE and your local councillors will reply.

Kerry Morgan of POKE said: “The public have been brilliant in their support of POKE as we fight to stop this supersized anaerobic digester.  Local politicians of all hues have also stepped-up to oppose this inappropriate power station in the heart of our irreplaceable Green Belt.  We have successfully resisted the developer up-to-now, but we are redoubling our efforts in light of the appeal.  It is a fight we have to win or Compton Dando will be changed for the worse for ever.”

Ward Councillor Alastair Singleton, said: “This is an important meeting and I thank POKE for setting it up.  It is an excellent opportunity for local people to learn about the current situation, and how they can best play a part in the campaign to fight this appeal.  To achieve success, affected communities need to come together and present a united front.”

POKE spokesperson Kerry Morgan added: “If the development were to go ahead, there will be around 28,500 extra two-way HGV movements every year – meaning more noise, traffic and pollution!”

Exhibition/Floral Display and Teas

Our Jubilee week begins on Thursday 2nd June with an tribute exhibition in Church and floral displays. Teas will be served from 2.30pm to 5pm. The exhibition and teas will also run on Friday and Saturday 3rd and 4th June again 2.30pm to 5pm. Please note there will be no Church Teas on Sunday 5th June.

Sunday 5th June

There will be a celebration service at St Mary’s Church at 11.15am to mark the 70 year reign of our beloved Queen.

Village Picnic

Please join us at 1pm on Sunday on the Millennium Green (opposite the Compton Inn) for a  village picnic to mark our Queen’s Platinum jubilee. Please bring your own picnic, drinks, seats and rugs and any ideas you might have to celebrate this occasion.

We look forward to seeing you at all or some of these events, we will not have a platinum Jubilee again for a very long time so lets make it a good celebration!