Clockwise from top left:  Breakspear Juniors’ ‘Healthy Eating’ which won First Prize in the Walking Group.  The Mayor outdresses the lovely girls in the Fashion Parade.  Jenny and Catherine Edington compete with the plastic ducks in the Pinn.  A float of ladies from the National Women’s Register.  Colin and Eileen Bowlt who led 200 enthusiasts on walks describing the Natural History and Past History of Ickenham.  Concert Fireworks over Swakeleys House.  A delightful Open Garden in Copthall Road East.  A selection of thirty scarecrows on parade.  The giant bouncy castle and inflatable slide.  Fun at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic.  Mark Chapple’s  Family Cycle Ride.  Centre:  David Edington releases 200 ducks into the Pinn.  One of the Children’s Art entries on display in the Library.

The Festival Team wishes to thank the hundreds of Ickenham residents and traders who put so much effort and ingenuity into making this Festival such a glorious success.  We’d like to feature them all in ICN but there just isn’t room.  Still, many visitors to over sixty events bear witness to the pleasure derived from an extraordinary variety of things to see and do.  There were exhibitions of art and craft, sport, education, beauty, skill and much music, including Jill Crossland’s inspirational piano recital at the Compass Theatre.  Plenty of delicious food was to be had in halls, homes and the fifteen Open Gardens. And then there was the gorgeous Flower Festival!  Meanwhile, thousands of pounds were raised for scores of charities – what a bonus!

The Procession on Gala Day, triggered by the brilliantly-timed fly-past, was one of the biggest and best-supported ever.  The fete in Swakeleys Grounds was unforgettable, as was the concert and fireworks in the evening.  Perry Parsons, founder and conductor of Vyners Swing Band and Big Band, said “This is a very special evening for the bands and me.  It marks twenty years since the Swing Band was formed and their playing tonight was great!” 

The Open Air Service at Swakeleys on the final day, conducted by Adrian and Bernie, included three christenings and a tribute to fathers on Fathers’ Day.  We gave thanks to God for the lovely weather and the coming together of our community to create and enjoy an Ickenham Festival that we shall always cherish. 

Alan Noad