Archers star to open MERL fete

Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Morris dancers at the MERL fete

Come and meet ‘Eddie Grundy' from the Archers at the Museum of English Rural Life this Saturday 4 June. Actor Trevor Harrison, who plays the hapless Eddie Grundy in the popular radio 4 series, will officially declare the fete open at 11.00am.

As part of The Archers and MERL 60th anniversary celebrations, the MERL Village Fete will be a very special event for families and anyone who's ever listened to The Archers. Come along and join the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of a traditional village fete.

Join Trevor Harrison, Vanessa Whitburn, Editor of The Archers, and Exhibition Curator, Mark Mason for a Question & Answer session. Mark Mason will also be leading special tours of the 'Everyday stories of country folk: 60 years of The Archers and MERL' exhibition.

What's on

Fun activities and games - tombola, splat the rat...
Craft demonstrations - blacksmith, basket maker and more
Family workshop with artist Francesca Shakespeare
Children's 'Garden on a tray' competition
Stalls - including R&J Nickless beekeepers, Royal Berkshire Show,
Morris dancers
Vintage and modern tractors
Rare breed sheep and goats
Hog Roast (provide by the Magpie and Parrot pub, Shinfield)
Delicious refreshments
Ice-cream
Cake stall
Beer tent with a selection of beers from local breweriesincluding Binghams and the West Berkshire Brewery.

Doors open at 10am fun goes on until to 5pm. Admission is free.http://www.reading.ac.uk/merl/whatson/merl-villagefete2011.aspx