Abraham Clegg Cup

One of the letters sent to DCC described the role that Combs Fun Day plays in the life of the village each summer, and what a valuable asset the Village Hall is, at the centre of all the activity.

This isn't a money-making venture, it's held to bring all of the village together to enjoy themselves. The day involves a produce and craft show, a pet show, childrens' games, competitions, entertainment followed by a childrens' tea, a fell race, and evening entertainment. That's not to mention a bouncy castle, face painting, tombola, and the Miss Combs competition - which isn't the usual beauty pageant, but an opportunity for the village menfolk to dress in their finery!

We're a relatively new Combs family, having been here five years. It's the only home our daughter has known, and we hope that she will start at Combs School in 2009.

Each year we've entered various Fun Day competitions, and in 2006 we took home the Abraham Clegg Memorial Challenge Cup, narrowly beating the previous 2005 winners, who'd also won in 1999, 2002 and 2003.

The cup is a valuable part of the history of the village. It is 90 years old this year, and in its early years it was awarded to the winner of the Combs Agricultural Society Show. Abraham Clegg founded the Society in 1917.

Combs Fun Day has evolved over the years - I don't think bouncy castles were around in 1917 - and now it's about families and friends getting together to organise and enjoy the day.

What has remained consistent is the community spirit, and the venue - the Village Hall. It would be devastating if this hub of our community was closed, and our family's name was the last to be engraved on the cup.

Please remember that by considering the closure of Combs Infant School you hold the future of this dynamic and amazing community in your hands. I wonder what Abraham Clegg would have to say about that.

Combs Fun Day is on 18 August. See photos from past years at http://combs.fotopic.net/.