GIVEN the fete’s theme it was amazing organisers had not chosen it before.

But while the theme was fresh everything else at Colden Common’s annual extravaganza last Saturday was recycled.

Organisers said they chose to focus on recycling because it was “the issue on everybody’s mind”.

While the Chandler’s Ford Brass Band provided the backing rhythm, green issues got the lead role.

There was a recycling race – testing participants’ ability to separate out recyclable items –, a second hand clothes stall and a stall by the town’s greening campaign team.

The latter, run by Rob Veck, had people on exercise bikes for 30 seconds generating electricity. Breathless participants were then told what their pedalling would power in the home, and for how long, in a bid to get people to thinking about how much energy they use.

Mr Veck said: “We’re trying to get across the concern that electricity is precious.”

The event, which ran from 2-5pm on the recreation ground, had several information stalls for Colden Common groups. Its food scene was also well represented – Rimjhim restaurant were providing Indian snacks while thirsty fete-goers could sup Hensting beer, which is produced in the village.

Organiser Deb Tyler said around 2,000 people had attended. She said: “It’s gone brilliantly, it’s been another great success. The beer tent is popular this year, which is a good sign!”

Mayor of Winchester, Richard Izard, who lives in the village, opened the fete.