Teddybear Zip Wire
On Saturday 28th June 2025, Vicky and I went to the nearby village of Great Cheverell, which is only about 5 miles outside of where we live in Devizes.
They were advertising a village fete and zip wire fun for teddies:
So we thought we’d go along, not really knowing what to expect. Because the community of Great Cheverell is small, I daresay it took a lot of effort to organise and run. I have to say they did a really good job, especially as it was our first time. You could buy a burger if you wanted, and drink a glass of Pimms.
The locals running the event asked us both where we were from – when I explained we’d come from Devizes, “just up the road”, many seemed surprised that we’d venture this far out. They all seemed very appreciative though, but I think they did not expect any one other than those who live in the small village to attend. Admittedly though, it wasn’t very busy when we went (around 13:30).
The Village and the Church
Great Cheverall is a lovely place. It has a very old history. There’s plenty of old houses, as in the following photos:
St. Peter’s Church is grade 1 listed
Its door is also quite spectacular:
The graveyard is also nicely maintained, which was nice to see. Compared to other church graveyards, many are left unkempt with tombstones hidden amongst long grass.
Xteddy’s Adventure
We paid £1 for xteddy to go on the zipwire (I think we ended up giving £5 though as a token gesture). Xteddy made his way to the top of the tower via a basket which is raised by a chap at the top of the tower. In this case, his name was Derek – although the nice lady coordinating this had to keep shouting Derek’s name to no avail; it seemed he may have fallen asleep although it turned out he was not at the top of the tower, but chatting to someone downstairs in the knave. Naughty Derek, neglecting his duties! I also thought he might have had selective hearing as well… ;)
Here is xteddy waiting patiently in the basket, ready to be raised up the tower:
Here’s the tower:
Interestingly, the tower has six peals, the oldest of which is from circa 1500.
He was gently raised to the top of the tower by the infamous Derek, and xteddy’s journey was about to start.
… and he was off! Down the zip wire he came:
Video Footage
Not to let the occasion go unnoticed, the whole event was filmed:
Afterward
He had a thoroughly good time!
Afterwards, Vicky and I had something to eat (a burger), and bought a few souvenirs. We also had a look round the church – alas, it wasn’t really possible to take any photos, but it was small inside, but lovely and old. It was also very cool inside, which was welcomed given the temperature outside was ~29C.
We then put him in the car and came home:
However, I think he might attend again in 2026, maybe with a few other friends. :)
Saturday 28th June, 2025.