AS Bank Holiday Monday draws closer, the final preparations are being made to the Annual Hawkchurch Village Fete Weekend.

AS Bank Holiday Monday draws closer, the final preparations are being made to the Annual Hawkchurch Village Fete Weekend.

The highlight of the village calendar, this year's fete promises to be a great day out for all the family.

With a jam-packed programme of events taking place not only on fete day itself, but throughout the weekend, you are guaranteed to have a great bank holiday weekend in Hawkchurch.

The fete weekend kicks off on Friday, August 28 with a fun family rounders match in the village. Simply turn up at 6pm for team selection and enjoy a traditional game of rounders, followed by a barbecue, where children eat free, and live music at the Old Inn, Hawkchurch.

Saturday, August 29 will see the return of the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Parachute Jump.

Children under 16 are invited to make a parachute for their teddy bears and prizes will be awarded for best decorated parachute. (Please note that parachutes not made to the organiser's instructions will not be eligible to enter. For parachute design instructions contact Meeri Wallace (01297) 678538. Events start at noon.

A popular family event in the village for the past 14 years, the Hawkchurch Companion Dog Show, will once again be taking place on Sunday, August 30 at the village playing field.

Everybody is welcome to attend with classes for pedigree and non pedigree dogs, there is something for everyone. Judging starts at 2pm.

For a schedule of classes, contact Christine Bright (01297) 678498.

A Songs of Praise service will be held at St John the Baptist Church, at 6.30pm. For more information contact Jean Ransford on (01297) 678285. There will also be a quiz night at the Old Inn, kicking off at 8pm.

The highlight of the weekend, the annual Hawkchurch village fete, on Monday, August 31.

Kicking off events will be the Blackdown Hills Steel Band. After the church bells have rung at 1.45pm, the fete will be officially opened by Hawkchurch's very own centenarian Jill Bennett.

Entertainment will be provided in the main ring with performances from the Goldstar Majorettes and Blackdown Hills Steel Band. Also appearing in the ring will be Cotley Hounds and Magic Carl with his traditional Punch and Judy Show.

So why not go along for a great family bank holiday weekend in Hawkchurch.