MEMBERS of the emergency services battled it out in a tug-of-war at a summer party joined by more than 2,000 people.

The summer fun day at Heyford Park, near Bicester, brought together people from the community and surrounding villages for games – and even a chance to 'get arrested'.


Organised by the Heyford Park Social Committee a self-organised group of six residents who brought the Heyford Park community together with online quizzes and bingo during lockdown the event saw live music, community stalls, food and drink, zorbing and inflatables.


Elliott Davey, a member of the committee, said: "What a day it was. We had over 2,000 people in attendance from Heyford and the surrounding villages.


"We had a few tug-of-war competitions – between dads, mums and then the emergency services. It was a great match but the police eventually took the win."


He added: "The emergency services put on a great show with lots of sirens and the children enjoyed getting 'arrested' and being put in the back of a police van.


"The zorbs were also a big hit, with 375 people having a go.


"We also had a visit from two very lovely police horses.


"There were regular CPR demos happening throughout the day from our volunteer medics which was great to witness."

Guests enjoyed live music throughout the day, with songs performed by local bands including a rock choir and a ukulele group from Didcot.


The event also had a raffle, prizes for which were donated by local businesses.


Mr Davey said: "It was really lovely this year to have our new restaurant and bar serving food and drink all day. It helped make the day a success.


"We were so grateful to all the local businesses who donated to our raffle, we sold over 1,500 tickets.


"Overall, we managed to raise over £2,000, which means we have a huge amount to be donated to Oxford Hospitals Trust and our local community groups.


"It also means we can put on another amazing event in 2023.


"Keep your eyes peeled for when we launch the date for next year. We hope all who attended had a fantastic day we did."


The summer party ran for the first-time last year, organised by the Heyford Park Social Committee which formed during lockdown when a group of Heyford Park villagers took on the task of reconnecting the community.


Dorchester – the development company behind Heyford Park – provided food, drink and space to hold the celebration.

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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