Oak Tree Mice - The Summer Fayre

THE OAK TREE MICE
THE VILLAGE SUMMER FAIR

Mrs Mouse had been very busy for many days. Tomorrow was the village
Summer Fair and as always she was among the mother's
who helped prepare all the refreshments for the tea party which always
took place at the end of the afternoon when all the games and
competitions had ended. "Is there anything I can do to help you?"
asked Melony Mouse "you have been so busy and everything looks so good"
Her mouth was watering as she saw all the cakes, jellies,
fruit pies and tarts waiting to be collected by Mrs Rabbit.
"Oh Melony dear, that is such a kind thought" replied Mrs Mouse "you
really are a good girl, I would be so pleased to have some help."
Mrs Mouse and Melony spent the remainder of the afternoon working in
the cosy kitchen of the Oak Tree House.
Melony Mouse lived with her family in the lovely old Oak Tree that had
become their home. She had two brothers, Matthew Mouse, and Baby Midge
Mouse. The family along with the rest of the village of Buryan looked
forward to the village Summer Fair every year and they all hoped that
this year it would be as enjoyable as it always had been in the
past.
The next morning found the mice family up bright and early. Mr Mouse
was getting his prize tomatoes ready to take to the show as he was
entering them in the gardener's competition. His tomatoes were so
special that he almost always won first prize. This year Matthew Mouse
had grown some very fine carrots and he was taking them along as his
exhibit. Now it was time to set off, Mrs Mouse and Melony Mouse looked
very grand in their new bonnets, bought especially for the day.
As they approached the village they could hear the brass band playing
some very lively music. Almost everyone in the village was at the Fair
and they all seemed to be enjoying the lovely sunny weather. "Thank
goodness the rain has stopped at last," said Mr Mouse "the Duck family
are the only ones that seem to enjoy all that water"
"Come along now" boomed Mr Badger's voice over the loud speaker
"It is time for the sack race, take your sack and line up at the
start."
There was quite a rush and soon there were lots of children all in a
line waiting for Mr Badger to blow the whistle to start the race.
Soon they were off, and what fun they had. Matthew Mouse started so
well and then suddenly he had overbalanced and was rolling on the floor
with laughter. Willie Weasel had tripped over Matthew Mouse but despite
colliding with these two, Billy Badger had managed to keep up with the
leaders. Just as they were sure that Sammy Stoat was going to be first
over the line, like a rush of wind Carl Crocodile raced passed them all
and was proclaimed the winner. "Hooray, Hooray" shouted the crowd "well
done everyone" and there was much clapping and cheering.

Next came the egg and spoon race and all the youngest animals were
taking part in this. Baby Midge Mouse stood next to his cousin Freddie
Mouse and waited for the whistle to start the race. Off they all went
and Baby Midge Mouse was easily in the lead but he dropped his egg. He
managed to pick it up and set off again and was only just beaten in the
race by Marty Mole. "Well done baby Midge" said Mrs Mouse "what a good
race, you really did so well" Baby Midge was very happy to think that
his mummy was so proud of him.
There were many stalls of homemade goods, cakes, jams, jelly's, sweets,
and toffee apples, fresh lemonade for sale and homemade ice cream.
Merry Go-Rounds, side shows and many competitions to take part in. Mr
&; Mrs Mouse were happily strolling along with Melony, Matthew, and
Baby Midge Mouse admiring everything and talking to their many friends
along the way. Baby Midge had been riding on the Merry Go Round and now
they were all enjoying a candyfloss each.
"Could I have your attention please" boomed Mr Badger's voice over the
loudspeaker "please can we have your help, baby Sally Stoat has
disappeared and we need everyone's help to find her."
Poor Mrs Stoat was very upset. She had just stopped to talk to her
friend Mrs Rabbit for a minute and baby Sally Stoat had wandered
off.
All the villagers set about searching everywhere but there was no sign
of baby Sally Stoat at all. "What are we going to do?" asked Mr Badger
"I just cannot think of anywhere else to look"
Mr Weasel had gone off to the other side of the village green with
Uncle Jonathan Mouse.
"Come quickly" called Uncle Jonathan "we can see Baby Sally Stoat, she
is in the middle of the duck pond on a small island with Dandy
Duckling but they do not seem to be able to get back, because of all
the rain the river is rising and the water is getting deeper" Everyone
rushed to the duck pond where Dandy Duckling was trying to persuade
Baby Sally Stoat to swim, but she was much too frightened by this time.
"We will have to make a bridge to bring them back" said Mr Weasel "if
we all join together we will be able to reach them" So Mr Crocodile got
into the water first, then Mr Badger held onto his tail, Mr Otter held
onto Mr Badger, Mr Mole held onto Mr Otter, Uncle Jonathan Mouse held
onto Mr Mole and Mr Water Rat held onto Uncle Jonathan Mouse.
"Now Dandy Duckling" called Mr Badger "you bring Baby Sally Stoat to
walk over Mr Crocodiles back and we will all help her to get back to
shore" At first Baby Sally Stoat would not move and it took quite a
time to persuade her that the bridge would be safe. "Hurry along"
called Mr Badger "the water is getting very deep and soon we will not
be able to stand in it" At last Baby Sally Stoat walked across Mr
Crocodile's back and then one by one the other animals passed her along
the line until she was safe in her mummy's arms once more.

"I saw Dandy Duckling swimming" she cried " and I thought I could swim
as well, but I was too small and the water became too deep and I was
stuck on the island."
Mrs Stoat was so pleased to have found Baby Sally Stoat safe and well
that she forgot to be cross with her for wandering off. "I will take
you home now" she said wrapping her in a warm, dry blanket " and then
everyone from the village can return to the Fair and enjoy the rest of
the celebrations."
As the sun was beginning to set and the sky was full of beautiful
colours, the Oak Tree mice made their way through the woods to their
home. "Well, I have still got the best tomatoes in the village" said Mr
Mouse "and Matthew Mouse has done so well to get second prize for his
carrots." "Yes" said Mrs Mouse "what a very nice day it was again, and
I am so pleased that everything turned out well and Baby Sally Stoat is
safe at home with her family once more"
And so the Oak Tree Mice reached home and soon they were all tucked up
asleep in bed, all very tired but very happy to have spent such a nice
day with all their friends in the village.