It was that time of the month when the Buckleberry Community Club have their meeting. The meeting last month was cancelled due to harsh weather, so everyone was pleased to gather and have a catch-up. Food and drink were provided by Mayor George as he sent out a message – “Don’t bring A Thing!” It was a pleasant surprise to see that his wife Shirley, who had been on holiday to India, had decided to serve her style of curry and rice. This was a first for the meeting.

Most of the people turned up to the hall at 7pm. Policeman Mike had already set up the hall fire, and the hall was nice and warm. Cleaner Chloe had set up the tea, coffee, and hot chocolate station. Everyone took off their hats, coats and gloves and took a seat. The hall air was filled with Indian spices. Mrs Pepperpot said, “It feels like we are away somewhere exotic without leaving Buckleberry!” Everyone laughed.

Secretary Stella sat at the table, but her laptop was closed. Everyone thought it was strange as usually there was a large agenda to get through, especially as the last meeting did not take place. Mayor George stood up and invited everyone to eat and drink. People filled their plates with the curry and rice and grabbed a drink.

You could hear a pin drop in the hall. Everyone tucked into the curry and rice. Some found the curry a little too spicy and coughed and spluttered. For some it made them thirsty as the curry was hot. Most of the people gave loud slurping, lip-smacking and chewing noises. Just Joan could not help herself and stood up and yelled, “Yum!” Curator Charlie followed with, “That was absolutely delicious, you can cook that again for us!” Everyone agreed. Shirley had a big smile on her face and was pleased that everyone enjoyed her curry and rice.

People made a second and third drink and sat and waited in their seats. They did not know what was going to happen next. Mayor George sat in silence. He then spoke up and said, “I think we need to do something in Buckleberry to bring the tourists in!” Everyone was puzzled by what he said. Mayor George went on to explain that if Buckleberry wanted to do something special for Christmas, the community would need to raise some money. He commented on how they had done different activities before and it was always a success. People understood what Mayor George said. “Great!” said Tall Tony. He is always positive and can collaborate with the community to find a solution.

As always small ideas were put forward. Postman Percy reminded everyone, we need to think “big!” They thought something where Shirley could serve her curry and rice would be wonderful. Everyone laughed. Butcher Barry spoke about how his relatives always go to the Highland Games in Scotland. He thought Buckleberry could hold their own version of the games. Without too much thought everyone in the room jumped up and down and said, “Yes!” It was decided that Buckleberry would hold their own Buckleberry Games. It was thought that it would attract visitors from nearby villages and towns and it would be good for Buckleberry.

It was all systems go! Tall Tony was elected as the committee leader and planning sessions took place in Baker Bunty’s café. Jobs had to be delegated and then people could organize and prepare for their event. There was a buzz around town. Mayor George made a countdown clock in Market Square and people looked at it every day. It made them think of how much they had done and what was left to do!

Farmer Ted and Matilda offered to hold the games at their farm. They thought they had enough room for all the events to take place. Wildlife Warrior Warren suggested that people could also spend time with the farm animals and this would be an excellent idea for involving the children. Matilda said, “Woolly would love the attention!”

It was thought that in the courtyard they could have an international corner and sell an assortment of food. Shirley was placed in charge of this. Curry and rice, French crepes, American hamburgers and fries, Italian pasta and pizza and Greek souvlaki and spanakopita would form the main menu. People volunteered to cook and serve the food. Babysitter Mary also suggested a food competition. She said that Shirley could make an extremely hot and spicy curry and people could challenge themselves to eat a full plate very quickly. The person who emptied their plate would win a prize. Nonno Nico suggested a bottle of his wine and elderflower cordial would be good to give away. People thought they would need a drink after eating hot and spicy curry!

Postman Percy had decided to do an activity for the children. It was “Pass the Parcel.” He collected handmade items from the village people and carefully wrapped them in packages and larger packages. Tall Tony would provide the music. Children would sit in a circle and pass the parcel. When the music stopped, they would open a layer of paper to reveal either a treat or a question to answer. Postman Percy hoped it would be fun for the children. He had several parcels so that many children could have a go at the activities.

Policeman Mike had decided to do a throwing activity. When he was in school, he liked to do shot put and javelin. He thought that he would make it quite simple and people would try to throw a Wellington Boot as far as they could. Policeman Mike asked people to donate old Wellington Boots. Verity had a small pair that no longer fitter her and so she was glad to be able to add to the collection.

Farmer Ted thought that his barn would be full of wool bags and they could be used somehow. Together with Nonno Nico, they created a running race whereby people would carry a wool bag on their shoulders and run. The first person to win the race would win a luxury wool sweater. Matilda was keen to knit the prizes for the race.

Delivery Dan thought it would be good to have some traditional novelty activities. Ones where everyone could participate no matter the age. So, he set about creating a schedule for three-legged races, sack races, wheelbarrow races and egg and spoon race and a potato sack relay. He thought that the races would encourage people to participate and have fun. Miss Trees Are Green, Mr Smallhorn and Butcher Barry said they would assist with he running of the novelty races.

Grandma Sophia and Grandpa Sam said they would run an apple bobbing competition and roast chestnuts for people to eat. Just Joan, Mrs Cotswold, Matilda, and Mrs Pepperpot would run a craft stall. People would be able to buy homemade cakes and pies, fudge, jam, pickles, olive oil, apple cider, and knitted items.

Mr Fitzgibbons said he would run a tug-of-war competition. Tall Tony thought this was a clever idea as village teams could compete against each other. Mayor George said he would create a cup, so that the winning team could put on display as the winners in their village. It was though that this competition could then take place each year.

On the day of the Buckleberry Games, people came from everywhere. Buckleberry was well known for hosting fabulous events. People brought with them their smiles, energy, and coins to buy food and goodies. The atmosphere was electric. Tall Tony had arranged for festival music to be played, and it placed everyone in a good mood. Everyone ate French crepes with coffee for morning tea. People wanted to make sure their energy levels were high to participate in the races and games.