Community day is out of this world!

A village community day which helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr Who has been hailed the most successful yet as a local councillor showed the spirit of the occasion by going in the stocks for charity.
A heat wave and a series of brand new entertainments, including the special Dr Who theme, drew unprecedented crowds to the village green at the event organised by Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council.
The TARDIS, an Ood, an army of Daleks – and even the Doctor himself! (pictured right) – landed on the village green to the delight of local children.
There were a range of competitions for schools – ranging from model making to fancy dress – offering the opportunity for “Doctor Who”-related prizes. Parish councillor Angela Duncombe oversaw the first “Great Culcheth Bake Off” in the village hall, whilst local groups and organisations – including the Glazebury Play Area Committee – raised funds on the Common.
Entertainment came in the form of Dr Diabalo’s Side Show, an old-style crowd-pleasing ensemble who came complete with a contortionist, a sword swallower, a stilt walker and the Queen of Fire!
The Grand Raffle was drawn at the end of the afternoon, with a host of prizes donated by local firms.
Cllr Chris Vobe, (pictured top) who went in the village stocks to raise money for charity, said:“My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who helped to make this year’s Culcheth Community Day a success.
“Glorious weather, a fantastic array of stalls, unprecedented crowds, and brilliant performances from the Queen of Fire combined to make this the most successful event the village has hosted.
“There was huge support and enthusiasm for the Doctor Who theme, as the Daleks invaded the green to help us celebrate 50 years of the world’s most famous Time Lord!”
Parish councillor Matt Smith – who, along with Cllr Vobe, led the organisation for the event – added:
“Community Day was a triumph for the whole village. The biggest congratulations must go to the organisations and groups who came to the village green in the soaring heat to set up for the day.
“Children and adults alike told us that, from start to finish, they had an unforgettable day. The biggest hit of the day was Dr Diabalo’s Side Show, who enthralled the crowds who came to watch.
“We’re looking forward to repeating the success of this year’s event in twelve months time.”
During the day, councillors themselves did their own fundraising. In the afternoon, Cllr Vobe was “sent to the stocks” (with the help of a Cyberman!) for the first “Throw a wet sponge at your local councillor” event in aid of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.
A soaking wet Cllr Vobe was delighted to have raised over £400 in total for the Trust, which he says will make a real difference to cancer sufferers and their families.
He added: “I want to send my personal thanks to everyone who donated to Jo’s Trust, either in person on the day or online. Both I and the Trust are hugely grateful – and, as the photos go to prove, I was both pelted and soaked during my time in the stocks!”