Topsham, Devon, April 1, 1997 Topsham's first ever Italian Easter Festival was held on the Topsham Recreation Ground on Easter Monday, and the good weather plus the smells of an enticing range of foods attracted over 200 revellers, who joined in games, and enjoyed the food and early-season sunshine. The "Festa di Pasqua" or Easter Festival was organised by restaurateur Nello Ghezzo and food-and-wine writer Marc Millon as part of their "Ride for Life Topsham to Venice in Aid of Cancer Research" series of fundraising activities in aid of Force and Imperial Cancer Research Fund.
"The theme of our fundraising activities is food and outdoor activity," said Nello. "We wanted to do something that could be enjoyed by everybody in Topsham, young and old, and we were able to achieve this. We were very fortunate with the weather."
Topsham actress and comedienne Flip Webster, resplendent in a red blazer, was on hand to organise the games, which included "the alternative egg-and-spoon race" (with potatoes), wheelbarrow race, three legged race, sack race, wellie wanging, plus games of football, croquet and basketball. There was not a bouncy castle in sight, nor was one missed. The Festival was well supported by youngsters from Topsham Middle School. "The races were really fun," said 9 year old Tom Jay, from the Y4 class. "Flip didn't just say 'go', she was always really funny."
Hot food, cooked outdoors on the recreation ground, included a risotto primavera or mixed vegetable risotto plus a baked pasta cooked by Nello, as well as barbequed American brisket, prepared by Marc. "Everybody worked up a real appetite playing silly games and races, and then enjoyed the food and fresh air. Everything always tastes better outside, don't you think?" added Marc.
The Festa di Pasqua netted some £300 for the Ride for Life Fund which now stands at close to £5000. Most important of all, though, was that a good time was had by all.
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