Stisted Summer Fete 2025 enjoys success at this much-loved event
This year’s event was not daunted by the British weather with its many activities, music and good old-fashioned summer fun
So, it rained! Well, a bit of a shower has never been enough to dampen the enthusiasm of the Freemasons of Essex and their families, who turned out on Sunday 20th July at Stisted Hall for the annual Fete organised by the Association of Friends of Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court.
No doubt the weather did affect the numbers attending, but there were still more than 500 through the gates to enjoy the stalls, refreshments and attractions laid on during a year of planning by organiser and Friends Trustee Rob Vine, who was assisted by a small army of volunteers and willing helpers.
The Essex Provincial Grand Master (PGM), Paul Tarrant, and his wife Jenny were in attendance, and he officially opened the proceedings on the dot at 2pm, whereupon the excellent Essex Police Band got things under way.
The PGM was accompanied by other members of the Provincial Executive lending their support, including Nick Franklin, Deputy PGM, Peter Hollingsworth, Deputy Grand Superintendent, together with Assistant Provincial Grand Masters (APGM), Neil March, Joe Shearer, Colin Felton and (APGM Elect) John Singh, also everyone was pleased to see Geoff Turpin back out and about.
With St John Ambulance on hand to keep an eye on everyone’s health and safety, visitors were able to wander round the commercial stalls, including crafts, bee keeping, photography and plants, and look longingly at some beautiful classic cars. Those overtaken by the urge to eat and drink were well catered for, with a bar, of course, cream teas, BBQ and pizza all available.
For the youngsters, and those refusing to grow up, there was Punch & Judy, Splat the Rat, Rugby Challenge, Coconut Shy, Balls in the Bucket, Wheel of Fortune, Cricket and Putting & Chipping games.
Showing their various masonic flags were the representatives from Royal Arch Masonry, and several other orders and Provincial Teams as well as the Southend and Essex Masonic Welfare Trust, Essex Mason Sales, Members Pathway, and Essex charities Teddies for Loving Care Essex (TLC Essex) and Get Started Art – with for the first time at this annual event they were delighted to welcome, members of the Order of Women’s Freemasonry.
PGM Paul Tarrant said: “Jenny and I really enjoyed the afternoon at Stisted. The Fete was buzzing despite the shower at the start. A lot of interesting stalls – although the golf competition showed how bad I was!
My thanks go to the Friends of Stisted who organised the day, and to all the volunteers. A great day all round.”
Friends President Barry Stedman said: “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and there was a good vibe about the afternoon. PGM Paul Tarrant opened the fete and then spent the rest of the day meeting the many Freemasons and their families in attendance. Work will soon begin for next year. Meanwhile, special thanks to all those who gave their time to make the event a success, particularly the hard-working Stewards.”
Also thanking those who helped set up and take down the event, Fete Organiser Rob Vine added: “Although the number of attendees was down this year mainly because of the weather, the Friends Treasurer, Graham Elvidge, took all the left-over Scones/Cream/Jam to several local hospitals and ambulance stations for them to enjoy. This means that there was NO waste at all from this year’s Fete. Here’s to next year!”
To read more about:
Association of Friends of Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court: https://www.friendsofpedokc.org.uk/meet-the-trustees/
Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, Stisted Hall: https://rmbi.org.uk/home/prince-edward-duke-of-kent-courtessex/
Photos:
Top: L-R: Barry Stedman with Paul Tarrant at the fete opening including sneaking up in the background the TLC Essex Bear
Right: Essex Police Band in full swing
Left: A small selection of photos from the day
