Hamiltons open boules day (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hamiltons open boules day

A GUEST appearance by Neil and Christine Hamilton proved just the opening highlight of a very successful day of competition at this year's Sherston Boules Day.

Last Saturday's (July 16) annual day of competition was opened by the notorious couple in a prelude to a sequence of matches that didn't end until 9.45pm - almost four hours later than planned.

In all, 128 teams competed for the Sherston Cup and Plate, with players from Malmesbury's twin French town of Gien proving victorious in both cases.

Minnie Hulme, a member of the Sherston Boule Carnival Committee said: "It couldn't have been better.

"The weather was amazing. We had a record number of people here and the final carried on until 9.45pm.

"It was due to end at 6pm but it carried on with a buzzing atmosphere.

"Everyone who came along enjoyed it. I've had a huge amount of phone calls from people all over the country who said what a good day they had.

"You can't ask for much more than that."

The Saturday was the penultimate day in a week-long line up of events throughout the village, and something that has happened now for the last 19 years.

Live music in the playing field also created a party atmosphere, with people dancing in the street.

It may be another week or two before the total raised for local good causes is known, although it is hoped it will at least match last year's total of £12,000.