Sunshine, Soakings and a Splash of Magic: The Cubit Club Summer Event

For the second year running, the Cubit Club was blessed with glorious sunshine as members, families and friends gathered for our Summer Event, a proper family fun day that had something for everyone, from the youngest visitors to the young at heart.

This year we added a couple of new attractions to the line-up. The star of the show was twiddle racing, a wonderfully daft afternoon of wooden horse racing in which hand-cranked steeds and their painted jockeys inch their way down the course to the cheers (and groans) of the crowd. Six races made up the card, from the Chairman's Race to the Ladies Race, with horses and riders sponsored throughout the afternoon, prizes on offer for the winners, and the proceeds going to support the Cubit Club. It is, in short, hard to explain but a great deal of fun to do.

Joining the bill for the first time was magician Stuart Millward, who moved among those attending and kept all ages entertained, leaving more than a few adults quietly baffled.

The old favourites were back and as popular as ever: the bouncy castle, axe throwing, face painting, and our DJ Gerry Pigney keeping the day moving, all kept well supplied by the barbecue and bar. On hand to keep everyone cool was Dean Clarke, our ice cream man, with his van, dispensing welcome refreshments in the sunshine. The temple was open for visitors to look around, and our thanks go to the library and museum for staying open into the late afternoon. Once again a firm favourite, it drew a steady stream of people dropping in to explore.

Ever popular was the pillory. For anyone brave (or foolish) enough to take their seat, the reward was a thorough soaking and a wet sponge to the face, delivered with great enthusiasm by the many youngsters present. They returned again and again, seemingly tireless, and before long had recruited a number of willing adults to help launch the odd bucket of water for good measure.

There was also a raffle on the day, with the star prize hamper won by Claudia Jane Hopkirk. Congratulations to Claudia, and our thanks to everyone who bought a ticket.