IN contrast to last year’s near wash-out, the 2019 Hamsterley Hoppings enjoyed brilliant sunshine and attracted a huge turnout.
Hamsterley Hoppings chairwoman Claire Hunter said: “The weather has been so kind to us this year.
“Last year was so awful we had to end the show early for health and safety reasons.”
Not so this time. The village green was teeming with people enjoying the weather, the stalls, a funfair and classic games like giant skittles and giant hoopla.
Live music was on tap to provide entertainment for the public.
The Old Age Travellers provided folk music including their First World War tribute, and then the drumming group, Rhythm Train, took to the stage before giving members of the public an opportunity to join them in an impromptu drumming session.
The vintage car show was very well attended with about 60 vehicles on show and many owners on hand to answer any questions the public might have.
A cookie stall was organised by two local youngsters who are hoping to take part in an initiative to provide aid to rural areas in Morocco.
Tom Hambleton and Kes McEwan, both 14, are hoping to raise £1,500 each so that they can go to Marrakesh in 2021 to take part in an aid project.
Tom said: “We hope to fly out to Marrakesh from where we will go out into the more remote rural areas.
“We will work on projects such as helping to build toilets and furniture for classrooms.”
Showing how dedicated to hard work the pair are, Kes added: “We made all the cakes and cookies ourselves and are hoping to continue to raise funds over the coming months.
“We have also got our GCSEs to work around.”
Firefighters from Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service brought along an engine for children to enjoy while their parents asked the crew about the service they provide.
Later in the afternoon there was a chance to take part in races, tug of war and the annual dog show.
Miss Hunter said: “On behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone who has made this year’s show such a brilliant success, especially all our sponsors and volunteers.”
More pictures in this week’s paper
