UPTON Noble Primary School children are among the beneficiaries of the money raised from last year’s inaugural village Beer Festival. Earlier this year the committee purchased some Quadro play equipment, a large-scale construction system that has been entertaining Key Stage 1 children for hours in the playground. 

“The Quadro is something the children can make and enjoy at lunch times and then they make and enjoy again and again,” says school secretary Thelma Hartnell. 

Last year’s Beer Festival in September raised in excess of £5,000 for local good causes, of which £2,000 was donated to the Village Hall in part payment for its new French doors, which have enhanced the building for functions and private use alike. Additionally, the funds have enabled the hall to be equipped with Broadband. New signs for all approach roads to the village are in the pipeline and are being ordered from Somerset County Council 

“We’re delighted with the projects we’ve been able to invest in,” says Beer Festival committee chairman Dan Hurring. “We love being able to enhance the playtimes of children at the school, while the money we’ve spent at the Village Hall will be for the benefit of all who live in and come to the village.”

Further funds raised at this year’s festival, to be held over 16-17 September, will be divided between three good causes — the Air Ambulance, a humanitarian/global aid charity (to be announced nearer the festival) and a charity chosen by the winner of this year’s sponsorship lottery, which is set to be held in July. It is also hoped that there will be further money available to put towards play equipment for the enjoyment of all children in the village, as well as other uses as they arise. 

Additionally, the committee is aiming to purchase a defibrillator for use in the village. “That’s our long-term project,” adds Dan Hurring. “It’s a big ask as 12 villagers would need to be trained to use it, but it’s something we’re really keen to see happen.”