DIARY DATE FOR SUNDAY 30 APRIL

The village of Duton Hill, near Great Dunmow, is throwing open its doors on Sunday 30 April when it holds its annual Mayday Sunday Funday to celebrate the start of spring.

The Fun Day will be centered around the gardens of the Three Horseshoes and will include not only the traditional maypole but also magic displays by Miller Magik, a Punch and Judy show, fancy dress competition and a dog show. The Studs and Stars dance team regular favourites at the Fun Day will also be performing.

Meanwhile, stalls of every kind will offer more fun and games, plants and cakes, tombola and raffles.  Duton Hill Yacht Club will be holding a barbecue during the day and teas will also be available.

The focus this year is on the need for protection from the threat of airport expansion something which residents of the village, like so many other nearby communities, are only too well aware of.  Noise simulations will be played throughout the afternoon to highlight just one of the devastating impacts which a second runway would have on the community.

Speaking ahead of the event, Three Horseshoes landlord Derek Connell made clear that the people of Duton Hill would continue to stand firm against the expansion plans, particularly for a second runway whatever the location which BAA finally plumped for.  “The Mayday Sunday Funday will be a terrific occasion when we can remind ourselves of the great sense of community we share locally and the many good things that we will continue to fight to save from the terrible shadow BAA's plans have cast over our village and over many others.”

The theme of the fancy dress competition will be 'things under threat from expansion' and there will be prizes for the best boy and girl in costume. There will also be a prize for the best dressed adult.

The event will be opened at midday by Stop Stansted Expansion's Deputy Chairman, Norman Mead.

The proceeds of this year's event will be shared by local charities and Stop Stansted Expansion.

Further information is available from Derek Connell, landlord, The Three Horseshoes on 01371 870681, the Stop Stansted Expansion Campaign Office on 01279 870558 and Maggie Sutton on 07714 767921.

APPROXIMATE TIMINGS FOR THE DAY
11.30am   Mini-parade around the village
12noon     Official opening in the gardens of the Three Horseshoes by Norman Mead
12.10pm   Children's fancy dress and judging
12.30pm   Line dancing performance by the Studs and Stars
2.00pm     Punch and Judy
2.30pm     Fun Dog show bring your pet dog
3.00pm     Line dancing performance by the Studs and Stars
3.13pm     Performance by the Centre Stage Dance Troupe
3.30pm     Magic show by Miller Magik
4.00pm     Line dancing performance by the Studs and Stars
5.00pm     Raffle winners announced

ENDS

Further information:
Derek Connell, Landlord, The Three Horseshoes:  01371 870681
Maggie Sutton, SSE, 07714 767921
Carol Barbone, SSE, 0777 552 3091 or cbarbone@mxc.co.uk