THE sun shone down on this year's Cutcombe Fête and Dog Show.
It took place on the afternoon of Saturday, August 3 and was opened by ITV Weather presenter Becky Mantin.
The family-friendly fête drew a vast crowd, thanks in part to the beautiful weather.
It showcased a stunning produce marquee filled with local entries of delicious cookery, colourful flowers, creative handicrafts, and ripened vegetables.
Chairperson Tracy Beviss expressed her gratitude to those who made this community event possible.
She said: "Massive thanks to all the committee, plus those who contributed to help, loan items, bake cakes for the teas, donate items, local business who supported us with draw prizes, and to those who helped with the judging and stewarding, so greatly appreciated.
"It was a lovely community effort; we have a brilliant team of helpers within the village".
Several local heroes emerged as victors in various categories.
The winners included Gerald Matravers, grabbing three trophies for his achievements in fruit, veg and flowers.
He was awarded the Jim Smith Trophy, Gordon Williams Salver and the William Delve Cup.
Other winners included Wendy Schofield and Audrey Delve, who won the WI Shield and The Cynthia Stevens Memorial Trophy, respectively, for their cookery skills.
Leanna Coles stood out with wins in four categories, including the coveted Roly Langdon Trophy for Best Overall Photo.
Festivities extended beyond the competition marquee with activities for all ages.
Younger attendees enjoyed races, face painting, and glitter braiding, while the adults had their fun guessing the weight of a lamb and playing skittles.
The lamb weight guessing yielded much laughter and camaraderie, making it a memorable event.
The first-ever fun gundog scurries proved to be a crowd-pleaser, with a little white terrier named Salt stealing the show.
A number of local gundog owners with springers and labradors took part, but it was Cutcombe resident Tanya Govier’s furry friend which flew down the track to record the fastest bale-jumping time.
Georgie Baynes, from Lower Rodhuish, won a special prize for the young entrant with the fastest retriever, Labrador Frank, and his parents, Adam and Marie, pretty much swept the board with their pack of springers, cockers and Labradors.
Another young entrant, Dolly Staley, from Cutcombe, running a Labrador-cocker cross called Nellie, won the fastest long-distance retrieve.
Zara Westcott, another young local handler, won a joint second in bale-jumping with yellow Lab Jay.
Sponsors Skinners Working Dog Food and Sporting Saint generously supported the scurries with prizes for first, second and third in all six classes.
Show-goers also appreciated the spectacle of Morris Dancers and kept their spirits high, with generous servings from the barbeque and Pimm's tent.
The fete raised money for local charities, demonstrating once again the communal spirit of Cutcombe.
With its wide array of activities, friendly competition, and overwhelming community spirit, the Cutcombe Fete and Dog Show proved to be an event that resonated with all who attended.
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