It may be close to Christmas and we may be enduring that dreary December weather – so why not remember happy days in June. In this case it was Saturday June 27th 1959. This was the day of the Market Lavington fete in that year. We have quite as collection of fete posters at Market Lavington Museum and this is one of them.
Poster for Market Lavington Fete in 1959
Perhaps the first thing to note is that the posters were sponsored by an insurance company. That’s quite a nifty way of getting their name in the public eye – and associated with fun and happy times.
The fete was in the grounds of Clyffe Hall and was officially opened at 3pm by Mrs D Davies who was the Vicar’s wife.
The attractions for visitors to watch included a judo display by a local club, a fencing display by pupils at Dauntsey’s School and country dancing by Market Lavington school children.
There was a comic dog show and a lady’s ankle competition.
The band of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry played during the afternoon.
Visitors to the fete were promised all the fun of the fair. It was, of course, a country fete so there was clay pigeon shooting and bowling for a pig plus other competitions.
1959 was 55 years ago as this is written. Most householders would have had a TV by then but many would not have had a car. Village events were still big – a chance to get out, have a bit of fun and meet people.
Market Lavington Museum 
Can you add anything to this or do you want to know more?