Walkington Victorian Hayride 2006 - Donating a Massive £11,000 to Charity

What an absolutely fantastic Hayride we have had this year and thank you so much to all of you in the village who have helped in any way.

We now have available a fantastic DVD of last years event. These are available for only £6 from Jan Freeman (871769).

We started off with a collection at the Racecourse following one of the evening meetings. Many punters gave very generously indeed to our costumed collectors positioned strategically at all exits.

Next came an excellent day of trading at the Hayride Market stall in Beverley. Customers were delighted to select and purchase from our wonderful array of cakes and produce knowing that they were not only getting delicious fare but also that the proceeds would be going to such worthy causes.

As always the Hayride Barn Dance proved to be one of the highlights of the village social calendar. The weather could not have been better and the excellent organisation made for a superb evening of feasting, drinking and dancing.

The Garden Party was again a truly delightful way to spend an afternoon. Visitors browsed the stalls, tried out the games and ate the cream teas whilst enjoying a wonderful programme of music. Our massive thanks go to Mr and Mrs Ball for once again allowing us the use of their incredibly beautiful gardens.

Hayride Sunday dawned a little cooler than the previous day and one could almost hear the horses breathing a sigh of relief ! The procession was headed by the courageous Helen Coulson taking an inspiring walk through the village. Then came the usual heavy horses hauling their wagons, the cyclists on their vintage machines and the jaunty ponies pulling gigs and traps. As we all wound our way around the route hundreds of people were there offering moral and financial support.

At the end of Hayride Sunday we once again formed a circle in the stackyard of Northlands Farm and sang the traditional Auld Lange Syne. Everyone weary but happy that Walkington Villagers as always pulled together and created the unique event that is the Victorian Hayride.

Our special thanks go to John and Carol Waterworth for their generosity, enthusiasm and support in allowing their farm to be the home of the Hayride.

We raised an absolutely amazing £11,000 for the local branches of our four selected charities, Marie Curie Cancer Care, The Meningitis Trust, Beverley Causeway and the Hull and District Alzheimer's Society each of whom will be receiving a cheque for £2750.

If you would like to take a more active role in next years Walkington Victorian Hayride, why not come along to the AGM. We would welcome some new faces and your contribution to the organisation of next years event would certainly be valued.

If you would like any further information about the Hayride or the AGM please do give me a call. We look forward to seeing you there,

Niki Henderson, Hayride Publicity (873301)

If you would like to see my photos of this year's events you can find them here.