Made in Alton'ish Festival
- Saturday 17th August
The Made in Alton’ish Festival made its debut this summer and it was wonderful to not only celebrate everything made and grown in Alton, but to also see just how much creativity and talent the village has.
As well as creators and growers, it was a great show of all the local groups, including displays from the Girl Guides, Handbell Ringers and the village Hall itself.
Alton Camera Club had a display of vintage video cameras and a projector that was recently donated to them dating from 1938 to 1969. The collection was previously owned by John William Kite, formally of Uttoxeter, who enjoyed collecting cameras and making films himself.
Next door The Pugin After Dark project got everyone colouring, especially the adults who thoroughly enjoyed the chance to sit down and chat whilst colouring one of the many Pugin tile designs.
The completed designs were then displayed amongst those already contributed to the project from not only the Alton WI, but also Hammerwich and over the border at Barthomley.
The smell of freshly baked bread drew a crowd at Bread and More by Vaneesa Rae, and she soon sold out of all her delicious creations. The village is definitely looking forward to when the bakery is fully up and running, and we are certain she will be inundated with orders.
The WI had an impressive display of their member’s creative works as well as St Peter’s Crafty Cuppa who brought along the poppies they are currently knitting for the village’s war memorial. No doubt both groups inspired attendees to get crafty and have a go themselves.
No one went thirsty with the bar run by Rural Brewing and Dave at Peakstones, both offering their locally produced beers. The Bellringers also kept everyone refreshed with teas and coffees along with an assortment of delicious homemade cakes as well as providing a fascinating display all about the art of ringing.
And for those wanting to take a little piece of Alton home, Patrick Naish had on sale his stunning silver and heat coloured titanium jewellery and Lyn her beautiful hand painted ceramics, some of which featured local Staffordshire landmarks and buildings.
We had plenty of talented artists in attendance too, with Kate Dawes exhibiting a selection of her stunning floral pieces and Rob Chapman’s wonderful wood engravings. Outside, the Urban sketches showcased their work, some of whom ventured out into the village to explore and sketch before returning to help others get involved in the fun.
Also outside the village’s newest group, Alton Amblers shared their plans for lots of local walks and Alton Trail Runners kept the activity level up even further with their rowing machine setup.
Ace’s very own Alison Hayhurst also showcased her gorgeous willow creations and homemade cakes.
The children were not forgotten and thoroughly enjoyed all the arts and crafts activities put on by the Apple Pips & Seedlings playgroup, including decorating some very tasty looking fairy cakes.
But it wasn’t just about observing what others had created, as everyone had the opportunity to get involved and enter the produce and craft show.
The abundance of inspiring and creative entries certainly kept the judges busy with Stephen Dewhurst judging the produce, floral and cookery classes, Deborah Branson of St Peter’s Crafty Cuppa judging arts and crafts and Alton Camera Club’s Andrew Wordsworth judging photography.
In the floral classes, there was a beautiful array of arrangements, from vibrant blooms to delicate petals as well as a display of striking single stems.
Over in the produce section, an impressively long runner bean took first place and a not so modest carrot also proudly showed off what it had to offer.
The arts and craft section showed a diverse range of skills and disciplines and showcased a whole range of different artforms. One beautiful painting depicted the ruins of nearby Croxton Abby and others, a series of incredibley lifelike portrait of dogs.
The Competition was fiercely fought in the cookery classes, especially in the jam and marmalade division, with judge Stephen having to work his way through ten different jars.
Besides the jams there were some fine examples of baking including a set of jolly yellow cupcakes which were very much on theme with each topped with a letter to spell out Alton.
Again the kids were not left out of all the fun with two adorable animals made from vegetables including baby sweetcorn limbs taking first and second place in one of the children’s classes alongside garden on a plate displays.
It seemed there was no limit to entrants imagination and creativity. This was never more so than Joyce Burton’s delightful interpretation of the “three dressed onions” in the produce classes where the onions attire ranged from shirt and tie to hand knitted cardigan. We are thoroughly looking forward to seeing what Joyce can come up with next year!
ACE would like to thank everyone that supported, contributed, and helped make these events possible.
Ace are looking to build on this event and would love to hear your suggestions for not only additions you would like to see at future festivals but also any way in which we can improve it. Also, if you attended this event, we would love to know what you thought by filling in our feedback form linked below.
