There were lots of stalls, traditional games,activities and entertainment in the arena areas including Maypole dancing by the children of Beaulieu Village School, a fancy dress parade, a dog show and of course the Beaulieu Brass Band.
Beaulieu Camera Group was again delighted to be invited to show a display of prints with a total of 65 images on show representing nearly every one of our members. Beaulieu Camera Group also held a prize draw again to help raise funds for the Common Good Foundation. Three images from our members were selected as the prizes. They were "Frosty Sunrise Northgate" by Sue Dunham CPAGB, "Hilltop after the Fire" by Alan Price ARPS and "Supermoon over the New Forest" by Edna Phillips. These photos were all of locations in and around the New Forest and were kindly printed, mounted and framed by Alan Price, A total of £85 was raised with the three winners of each draw delighted to receive their chosen print.
Maggie was the winner of "Supermoon Over the New Forest", Jenny won "Hilltop After the Fire" and Lynn's ticket was drawn for "Frosty Sunrise, Northgate" which was delivered to her after the Fete.
Traditionally the celebrity who opens the event is invited to choose their favourite print from those on display. The winner this year was Maggie White CPAGB with her image "Delayed Start of the New Forest Pony Auction", who was presented with a trophy by Sophie Ward.
Each year we ask members of the public to vote for their favourite picture, with the winner being awarded The Bob Grier Trophy. The total number of votes overall this year was a record 356..
This year's winner was Vanessa Bateson for her stunning image "Vic Shoreline" Unfortunately Vanessa left the Fete just before the final votes were counted but she will be presented with the trophy when we next meet at the school. In 2nd place was Ian Hutchinson with "Meadow Pipit with Grasshopper" and there was a tie for third place between Linda Dunham with "Mid Summer Sunset" and Hilary Flaxman with "Dawn Breaks in the New Forest".
Thank you to all the members of Beaulieu Camera Group who helped with the setting up, stewarding, and taking down the display on the day. Particular thanks to Ian Bateson who mounted eleven prints for members to enable so many to take part.
It was as always, a lovely, sociable occasion and such a great way to be involved with Beaulieu Village and all the other organisations who take part in the Fete.
To see more photos of this year's Fete please click on this link to the Beaulieu Fete website: Photos from Beaulieu Fete 2026
Sue Dunham Chairman