VILLAGERS in Hindon turned out in force recently, to mark the 250th anniversary of the Great Fire of Hindon in 1754.
On July 2 in that year, a fire swept through the village, destroying dozens of the thatched and timber buildings.
Reports at the time said that virtually the whole village, with the exception of a few houses, had been "entirely laid waste" in a matter of four hours.
The commemoration of the fire was marked on Friday, the actual day, when the celebrations started with a bonfire and refreshments on Hawking Down.
On Saturday, the ringing of the church bells at noon brought dozens of children bursting out of the house on the site where it is thought the original blaze started, the home of John Tyler, a local cutler, who lived on the west side of the High Street.
The children, carrying red and yellow streamers depicting the flames, darted to other houses in the High Street, re-enacting the spread of the inferno.
A parade followed which included an old horse-drawn fire engine, which later gave a demonstration of how they used to put out fires.
The High Street was lined with stalls and sideshows, there were competitions and exhibitions and many gardens were open to visitors.
The day ended with a buffet and a disco.
The entire weekend raised money for the provision of disabled facilities in the village hall and at the Fellowship Club, for the refurbishment of the children's playground and for a new history of Hindon being compiled by local resident Richard Dewhurst.
Fundraising events will take place throughout the summer.
