IF ever there was an event which saw the community pull together to have a good time for a great cause it was Chiseldon’s Family Fun Day.

Even an early morning disaster which saw a lorry containing the main stage get stuck in the field, resulting in it having to be towed out by a tractor, did not faze the organisers. Nor did the rain which forced people to duck and dive for cover.

And everyone’s persistence paid off as the sunshine eventually made an appearance as families gathered at the recreation ground on Saturday to raise money for the Brighter Futures appeal, which is aiming to raise £2.9m to equip a new radiotherapy centre at Great Western Hospital.

The event kicked off when residents got an early morning awakening as the Bluebelle Majorettes, being led by Clare Harwood, marched through the village playing their drums.

“There were lots of cheers and lots of people came out to see us,” Clare said.

Mayor of Swindon Eric Shaw, who lives in Chiseldon, then officially declared the fun day open just after 11am.

And Coun Shaw, who has selected Brighter Futures as one of his charities to support during his mayoral year, spoke about how the radiotherapy centre would make a massive difference to Swindon, instead of people having to travel to Oxford.

“It’s a horrendous journey,” he said. “And not easy to get to by public transport. The impact on the people and family of those who have to have treatment is enormous. The sooner we can raise the money and get it up and running the better.”

During the day, the sound of Wroughton Silver Band lifted spirits as people visited the 20 stalls to have a go at tombola, or try their hand at the raffle before tucking into cream tea or a beer.

Chiseldon’s WI group were selling homemade cakes, while the 1st Chiseldon Air Scout Group showed off some of their impressive skills and toasted s’mores.

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Atticus, Bethan, Dora, Oli and Lauren from the 1st Chiseldon Scout Group. Picture by Clare Green

The village Brownies and Rainbows also had their own jam jar hoopla stall, and there was nail painting, live music and spinning tea cups for youngsters to enjoy.

One resident who went all out to try and raise money was 84-year-old Joyce Jones. The Castle View Road resident had knitted more than 20 toys, including a Robin Hood, to sell for the appeal.

Kimberley Hale, 27, who is due to give birth to her third child soon, was one of the main organisers of the event. Working as a scrub practitioner at the hospital inspired her to do something for the appeal.

"I had an urge to put on some sort of fun day and Chiseldon hasn’t had one for years and years," she said. "So I thought what better way to raise money at the same time.”