WEST Witton Feast weekend made a welcome return, providing some semblance of normality for the village.

The weather provided a perfect day for the fell race with 31 senior, and ten junior runners competing. There were no internationals this year, but John Wilson from Cheltenham travelled the furthest and West Witton contributed 13 of the pack.

No records were broken but the first junior was Jack Vasey from Thornton Steward followed by Anna Harrison-Topham from Middleham and Benjamin Spicer from Lincs. The first senior in was Tim Grimwood, closely followed by Steve Donaldson from Northallerton. Heather Hodgson was first female and Jonas Andersson the first local home, winning a trophy for his efforts.

Prizes were presented by the new owners of the Fox & Hounds, John and Jo Walker. Gareth Robson donated a new trophy in memory of his father, which he awarded to the fastest girl runner.

Easily the most famous part of the feast weekend, the Burning of the Bartle parade had a following of more than 100 people. The procession concluded with the burning of the effigy on Grassgill and some traditional singing.

The last funday held in 2019 was blessed with glorious weather but this year’s cloudy and cool conditions did not deter villagers and visitors from attending and having a good time.

Children’s fancy dress and sports events had 20 entrants. Trophies for the best girl and boy went to Shannon Trainor and Jamie Dent. Adult wallops was won by Tom Wade and Stewart Dent and the junior first was Sam Scott and Olivia Dennis second. The boules was won by Paul Wood.

Wensleydale Marie Curie Fundraising group ran a stall raising £258 and live music was provided by Leyburn Band.

Fifteen dogs participated the fun show with the event living up to its name as dogs and handlers entered into the spirit of the show. The day ended with prize giving and the raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.

The Robert Dent Memorial Quoits competition attracted 15 entrants. The final was contested by Stewart Ormiston and Colin Harker with Colin winning the first prize of a gallon of beer donated by the new owners at The Fox. The trophy was presented by Linda Dent.