SHOBROOKE has celebrated its yearly harvest festival. 

Rev Sandra Collier with Joy Moore, who decorated the Holy Well for the celebration
Rev Sandra Collier with Joy Moore, who decorated the Holy Well for the celebration (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Dozens of people went along to the event on Saturday, September 14, which began with a blessing led by Rev Sandra Collier at the Holy Well, the oldest structure in the village which predates even St Swithun’s Church. 

Outside St Swithun's Church during harvest event
Outside St Swithun's Church during harvest event (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

There were a variety of stalls at the celebration, including one on local history and others featuring cakes, books, a silent auction, a grand draw, crafts, local produce and more. 

Secretary Lesley Browne, Colin Dagnall, Chair Alison Ayres and Steve Jones of Shobrooke Allotment Association
Secretary Lesley Browne, Colin Dagnall, Chair Alison Ayres and Steve Jones of Shobrooke Allotment Association (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Stuffed animals also took to the skies in the “teddy tower flight” down a zip-wire in the afternoon, followed by a shower of rose petals. 

Malcolm Cooke running the tombola
Malcolm Cooke running the tombola (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The following day, Sunday, September 15, there was a harvest songs of praise service at the church featuring Canon Chris Palmer. 

Kirsty Brett with her knitted creations
Kirsty Brett with her knitted creations (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The annual harvest celebration, which is usually held on the third weekend of September, raises money for the maintenance of the church.  

Crocheted fruit and vegetables
Crocheted fruit and vegetables (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

This year, fundraising was targeted towards the repointing of the stonework on the outside church walls.