COMPETITION between rival f�tes in the run up to summer can be fierce, but just how far would one f�te go to gain the upper hand? Speculation in Hadstock is rife that two signs promoting their up-coming event have been stolen by a competitor, says Jamie S

COMPETITION between rival f�tes in the run up to summer can be fierce, but just how far would one f�te go to gain the upper hand?

Speculation in Hadstock is rife that two signs promoting their up-coming event have been stolen by a competitor, says Jamie Spencer from the Hadstock F�te Committee.

The signs announcing the Hadstock F�te, which is held next Saturday (June 20), have been removed from the A1307 on the outskirts of Linton.

"We are perplexed by this sudden outbreak of anti-Hadstock F�te vandalism, especially as the signs have been placed in these locations with no problems for very many years," said Mr Spencer.

As the signs are quite large - too big to get into a car boot - and were firmly fixed, the committee believe a good deal of effort and planning was needed to take them away. A search of the scene has been carried out but there is no sign of the signs.

Although there are rumours that the signs were taken by a rival f�te, Mr Spencer accepts there could be another explanation such as they were removed by the Highways Agency for being in the wrong place.

Hadstock F�te started life before 1066 when a Saxon king granted the right for the village to hold a fair on St Botolph's Day, June 17. The f�te has been running on-and-off ever since.

In the 1950s the f�te was moved to the nearest Saturday to the saint's day and it remains the focal point of the village's fundraising, having raised more than �6000 each year for the last few years.

This year's attractions include a classic car rally, the popular auction, music from Hadstock Silver Band, a teddy bear parachute launch, and traditional games and contests such as the tug of war. The f�te starts at 2pm.

The committee would welcome any information as to the signs' whereabouts. Please contact them by email at ed@hadstockmag.co.uk or by calling 01223 890186.