THE Eastham Covid 2020 Fete with Produce Show and Tote proved quite a challenge.

But in the face of all the difficulties technology came to the rescue to make sure that the long standing event could go ahead albeit in a way very different from usual.

Having decided in January to return to the Memorial Hall it became clear mid-year that there was a possibility the Hall could be flattened by August and the vision of installing a marquee on the Village Green and socially distancing looked very demanding.

So back to the Church, although for a long time it was not known if this would be possible.

The 2020 schedule, drawn up in February was radically downsized to include physical entries (no food), social distancing and video /photograph entries, the infamous dog show lived on.

Finally, when church restrictions lessened on July 4 and Fete Day which had looked a certainty in March started to look more achievable.

More difficulties lay ahead with risk assessments, a visit from Environmental Health, a virtual Temetalk for two months as the obstacles seemed endless.

Then at last the Sunday of the fete arrived and after all the fine weather, rain was forecast for the whole day!

The out of air church service was now another challenge weather-wise.

However, on the day, old supporters and villagers totally stepped up to the plate and the Church was ablaze with colourful flowers and a wonderful display of produce.

With the Tote as well as sponsorship the event made a profit of £2,100 and the Church service went ahead before the rain returned.

To round it off, Mathew Hall photographed and videoed (including drone footage) and by 8 pm all this was available online including the dogs.

This year not all cups could be awarded due to the limited classes however the fete made the best of technology to carry on but it is hoped things will be back to normal next year.