RESIDENTS in Semington took to the streets to raise more than £1,800 for the Melksham Foodbank and their local community.

They came out in force to enjoy the Semington village fete on Saturday after enduring so long in lockdown.

Parish councillor and resident Vicky Bodman said: “We have been without a traditional community event since Christmas 2019, so it was a joy to see so many from Semington enjoying that quintessential summer moment: the village fete.

“Brilliantly organised across three sites, we enjoyed cream teas, tombola, village crafts, music, morris dancing, skittles, granny’s attic, coconut shy and much more.

“The sun shone, children chewed green candy floss, grown-ups enjoyed a refresher at the Somerset Arms, and villagers promenaded between venues along High Street. It was just lovely.”

The Village Hall saw its first major event in 18 months when it opened its doors to an exhibition of Semington Camera Club photos and a display of lockdown crafts and art made by residents.

Mrs Bodman said: “The standard of work was as varied as it was beautiful and many villagers used their time in lockdown to resurrect old skills, learn new ones or simply hone those already enjoyed.

“Visitors enjoyed paintings, drawings, knitting, crochet, lace-work, embroidery, cross stitch, patchwork, quilting, dress making, miniature model buildings, upholstery, tea-bag folding and basket-weaving.”

“Many exhibits came with touching stories of the motivation behind the work and a new-found admiration of our neighbours’ skills and artistry.”

Semington Camera Club falls into the category of ‘small but mighty’ as its members showed more than 40 prints in a varied and eye-catching display.

“The talent and creativity on display was humbling and whilst we hope and pray we don’t have to endure another lockdown, we do hope we can do another exhibition in 2022.”

The £1,800 funds raised will be split between St George’s Church of England Primary School, St George’s Parish Church and Semington Village Hall plus a donation to the Melksham Foodbank.