Crowds flock to Middleton's May fair

The big turnout Monday, May 5, for the village's first May Fair delighted the organisers at St Nicholas Church.

The event started with a big procession from Bishop Tufnell CE infant and junior schools.

The May Queen and May King from each school, chosen in the previous week, rode in an open car at the head of the procession. The chosen royal couple from the infant school were Danielle Boltwood (5) and seven-year-old Nathan Carnell.

The monarchy selected at the junior school were Alexis Carey (10) as the queen and Matthew Smith (11) as the king.

The parade wound its way along Middleton Road to Shrubb's Field next to the recently-enlarged church.

Both kings and queens had a large group of princes, princesses and attendants who all paraded around the arena in front of their proud parents, brothers and sisters, and friends.

Proudest of everyone were Rosemary Appleby and Shane Morton, the headteachers of the infant and junior schools. Both have preached in recent weeks at St Nicholas.

Father William Marston, the vicar of St Nicholas, said he was proud to be a governor of both schools.

"It is a delight to have as heads of these schools two committed Christians who both believe in strengthening the links with the church and encouraging involvement in the community," he stated.

Churchgoers Mike and Margaret Wadley were delighted their idea of moving the church's annual fete to May had been such a success.

They saw their suggestion pay off with 3,200 raised as a tribute to the hard work of everyone '“ such as parade marshals, cake makers and stall holders '“ involved with the occasion.