The Wolverton Express July 3rd 1970

Village needs £2,000 for its hall

For years the village hall at Castlethorpe has served the inhabitants well, with all sections of the small but growing community benefiting by subsidised bookings. But the present building, a former church school given to the village by Lord Carrington, is no longer big enough for many local functions.

A sum of £2,000 would enable the village hall committee to carry out necessary alterations and improvements. One man a least, Mr. Stan Nicholls, chairman of the committee is dedicated to the task of raising the money and confidently expects the people of Castlethorpe to give him full support.
But he is a bit perplexed at the general apathy at the moment of the menfolk in organising fund raising events. At the same time he is full of praise for the women and their enthusiasm.
Last Saturday’s Pram Race and Fayre was no exception with a preponderance of women and children outside the village hall to witness the finish of the pram race and patronise the various stalls and competitions.

A break for refreshments at the half-way stage in the Castlethorpe Pram Race
The race for a barrel of beer was won by “The Flying Goblin” (John and David Williams), followed by 2. Henry Owen and Dave Rome: 3. “Thunderbird”, R. Saville and S. Zone.
All participants were expected to “sup” the beer at 8 p.m.
The fancy dress was judged by the opener, Mrs. Stacey, sen. Who in referring to the storm that had just passed, apologised for the proceedings being slightly held up and hoped everyone would dig deep in their pockets for so worthy a cause as the village hall fund. She was handed a posy by Miss Linda Nicholls, daughter of the chairman, who is secretary of the fund.
Mrs. Stacey’s awards were: 1. Bill and Ben with Weed (Jane Mills, Deena and Paul Hutson): 2. Thoroughly modern Millie (Katrina Airton): 3. Hunter (Dave Wilson).
A break for refreshments at the half-way stage in the Castlethorpe Pram Race
Stan Keeves, Fred Keeves ready for the pram race
(Mother) Stan Keeves is the son of , Fred Keeves (the baby), unknown
An evening whist drive rounded off the afternoon’s events.
Mr. Nicholls said he was hoping that the pram race would become an annual event and that competitors from other villages would take part. Stalls included fancy goods, goldfish, cakes, white elephant, pennies in the bath, floor skittles, darts and spinning jenny.