The Toddy Times

Make Some Noise!

From the burgeoning tea tent of the fete to battlefields of the annual conker competition, 2025 was a year defined by community, connection and a lot of music.

The warmer months saw the band deeply embedded in the local circuit.

• As usual we kicked things off in the heart of the community at the Lodsworth Fete’s Tea Tent in late May, where the clink of teacups provided the perfect rhythm for our acoustic sets.
• The momentum carried us to the Petworth Open Gardens in June, a logistical feat that saw us first performing in the Leconfield Hall in Petworth’s town square before moving all our equipment into to the lush surroundings of the Petworth Community Gardens to provide the laid-back soundtrack for visitors to explore this marvellous horticultural facility.
• It was a privilege to return to Petworth's Community Wellbeing Garden CIO later in the year to celebrate their 20th Anniversary and Charity Launch celebrations - I’m sure Lord and Lady Egremont enjoyed it too!
• Oakfest was our biggest stage of the summer, where the energy was electric and hearing the crowd sing along to the band’s anthems was a definite highlight.
• The Lodsworth Country Fayre, this year in the open air, was a colourful traditional event with the added soundtrack of Yukon Bass.
• Beer, Pimms and Hymns was perhaps our most spirited gig yet (pun intended) a wonderful evening of communal singing and local brews.
• At Langham Brewery, Bonkers for Conkers we provided an energetic soundtrack to this legendary local tradition. It was fast, loud and well received!

As well as playing regularly at Lodsworth and Easebourne churches, local schools have always been a core part of our journey. We rocked the Rake School Fair in June and the Fernhurst School Christmas Fair in December with an added festive sing-a-long. But the most moving moment was undoubtedly the end of year service at Rake School, a poignant afternoon of music and memories as the school community gathered to say their goodbyes to children and staff, including our Hannah (more on the Hopkins page).

No year is complete without a party, and Derek’s sixtieth was one for the books! The Curry-oke theme was a masterstroke - great food provided by the local curry house, better company and a chance for us to let loose and celebrate a milestone with a true friend of the band (and Gill’s husband!)