MOST villages in the area date back to the Domesday Book but Four Marks was created from four of its neighbours only 75 years ago, in 1932. Since then it has grown, too much for many of the residents, and established itself with all those things associated with a village: scouts and guides, WI, Care Group, a parish council, a school and many other organisations. This year they are celebrating their birthday and the fun started on Saturday (June 9) with the picnic. The village picnic has become traditional, held annually on the recreation ground. Most villages would probably call this a fete for there are all those things usually seen at a fete for everyone to enjoy. A bouncy castle and slide, pony rides, tennis and football competitions, tombola, treasure hunt, monster snakes and ladders, horse racing and other games and competitions. The events have been organised, with help, by District and Parish councillor Mrs Pat Seward. On Thursday (June 14) a cheese and wine party was due to take place in the village hall with two speakers, MEP Daniel Hannan and the prospective candidate to replace MP Michael Mates, Mr Damian Hinds. And on Saturday (June 16) the plan was for a WI craft market in the village hall and two cycle rides. One was to take the form of a family Treasure Hunt around the village, and the other a 75km route taking riders over the Alps. It was to be followed on the Sunday by an Open Fishing event at Swelling Hill Pond. This Saturday (June 23) will see the staging of a Country and Western dance, starting 7.30pm at the village hall – tickets from Jean Bennett on 01962 772650. And on Sunday (June 24) booted residents are invited to meet at 10.30am at the village hall for a walk, led by Campbell Scotland. There will be a Village Quiz on Wednesday (June 27), starting 7.30pm at the village hall. Details from Doug Titheridge on 01420 562014. And on Friday (June 29) there will be a Slide Show with clips of Old Four Marks starting at 7.30pm at the village hall. Celebrations will finish on Saturday, July 7, with the Four Marks School Fete starting 2pm and featuring vintage cars and fun. And in the evening there will be a concert of local music, organised by Derek Seaton, and aptly entitled Celebration '75. Starting 7.30pm in the village hall, tickets at £3.50 are available on 01420 564330. Some of the money raised during the 75th Anniversary events is to go towards the purchase of a clock to be displayed at the Oak Green shopping parade, to compliment the proposed refurbishment of the area.
