With cider production an important part of past village life – remember the parish hall used to be a barn that produced cider made from local apples –  that tradition carries on today. Devon’s rich red clay soil produces the best cider apples, as those who sampled the cider  provided by Sandford Orchards of Crediton would attest. “It's nice to be part of a community where cider was made in the village and we're literally up the road, continuing the tradition of bringing the true taste of Devon to the rest of the country,” said Sandford Orchard’s Emma McIntyre..

It wouldn’t be a celebration without entertainment, and that was joyfully provided by the “Sandford Sings’ community choir with a special song celebrating cider that was  written and performed by popular folk singer and songwriter Jim Causley. 

And it wouldn’t be a celebration without a proper cream tea, Devon style of course, provided by the Jocelyne Rimbon-Whittaker of Adonai Kitchen and her team of volunteer servers, all dressed in period black and white caps and uniforms. 

Some residents also got into spirit by turning up in period costume.  Geoff Jackson managed to still fit into his 1950 Royal Army Service Corps jacket, while Tom Langdon-Davies and  Christopher Lee looked natty in their  bowler hats and period suits. Janet Hookway looked super in her 1920s Flapper inspired outfit. 

As the hall enters its next 100 years, what will the future hold? That’s a question that locals were asked recently in a survey about the hall and how it can be improved. An overwhelming 97% of respondents said they would miss the hall if it wasn’t there and a majority (67%) said they use it on a regular basis. Many suggested improvements such as a projector and screen, improving the kitchen and outside social space, a separate bar and more parking. 

What happens next will be up to the Parish Hall committee, but whatever the outcome, it’s clear that one way or another, the hall will continue to be the hub of village life for some time to come. 

For those wanting a trip down memory lane,  there was a short black and white video of village faces and places through the decades, comprising old photographs and archive materials that was  produced especially for the occasion by Martin Taylor. As the video played on a loop, some of those watching were captivated to see their younger selves in the video.  

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