6th August - Kite Festival and Classic Vehicle Show

Despite the previous day’s washout the day of the Royston Kite Festival stayed fine throughout. Following many meetings with the Heath Conservators, although the kite festival location could proceed as in previous years, we were obliged to park the historic vehicles in a location outside the main arena for this year. There is still some uncertainty as to the exact venue of next year’s festival. This annual event has been held on Therfield Heath for more than 20 years and was one of the most successful ever. Dozens of kite flyers took part and, despite some brisk winds, there was a full display in the skies above the heath. Club President, Phillip said: “It’s been a great day - good fun particularly for the families with children who have come along. It was lovely to see the youngsters enjoying the Teddy Bear Drop and having the opportunity to fly their own kites.” Royston’s Mayor, Councillor Lisa Adams, launched the festival, backed by the Town Crier, Graham Pfaff (in full regalia) and Rotary District Governor Barbara Middleton. There were more than 60 stalls, ranging from the Rotary Club’s ever-popular Tombola to the Royston Cycling Club and Folly’s Farm Donkeys, which has sanctuaries worldwide caring for animals. Also, there was the historic vehicle show, run by Rotarian Ray Munden, with a range of classic vehicles. Rotarians from clubs across the region came to help, along with Scouts and the Letchworth and Baldock Lions Club, who ran their traditional children’s kite workshop. More than £8000 was raised for charity, much of which will go to President Phillip’s chosen charity of the year, the Angels Support Group. Angels, which is Hertfordshire-based, helps families of children with Autistic Spectrum Condition and/or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Club Treasurer, Rotarian David Smyth said: “We’ve had a tremendous reward for a lot of hard work by our members and their partners, and we’re delighted that such a good cause will benefit. We would particularly like to thank our sponsors, Johnson Matthey, Royston First, Tees Law, NCPI, Hardcastle Burton, Kashec and Easthope Associates for their help and support.” To see all photographs of the Kite Festival (including the Historic Vehicle Show) please click here.