The September rains hit Buckleberry hard and caused widespread damage. The community pulled together and formed working bees to help and support one another. Trees that had fallen were removed. Houses that were damaged were repaired. Mud, leaves, and dirt were brushed and washed away. A major concern was the damage to the roof of the Buckleberry Community Hall. The hall is the heartbeat of the community. People gather frequently to hold meetings, get-togethers and to take shelter during emergencies. Mayor George made it known to everyone that the Buckleberry Council did not have enough money to do the repairs. People worried about what they would do without the hall. A meeting was needed but where would the community go?

Farmer Ted and Matilda came to the rescue. They cleared part of one of their barns and made space for people to meet. They used hay bales for seats and found an old crate for Secretary Stella to use as a table. People were glad to be able to gather, and they brought extra food and drink as they thought the meeting would be longer than normal.

People gathered and Mayor George commenced the meeting. He read notes from Secretary Stella’s laptop so that all the issues could be explained. Things were under control, but the big issue was the roof of the hall. People thanked Farmer Ted and Matilda for holding the meeting but agreed it would not be something that they could do forever. “Basically, we need money!” said Mayor George. Farmer Ted scratched his head and so did many of the other people too!

Mayor George called on Tall Tony as he is always good at getting people to brainstorm ideas and then put a plan into action. Tall Tony spoke to everyone and told people to grab food, drink, and chat. He thought this was the best way to get some innovative ideas given that everyone was sitting in a cold barn. Baker Bunty’s pasties and sausage rolls went down a treat. The crusty bread, olives, and cheese from Nonno Nico and Nonna Nina were eaten quickly too. Once people had chatted and had a hot chocolate, they all sat down to share their thoughts. As always, the first few ideas were not possible. Then came the normal ideas of Farmer’s Market, selling items online and things they were already doing were suggested. Tall Tony said that something needed to happen that was memorable and would bring lots of money to the community. Everyone gave a big sigh!

Postman Percy stood up and paced up and down the barn. It was like a lightbulb moment, he said, “I have an idea!” Everyone turned and faced Postman Percy. “Why don’t we have a billycart race? We could ask neighbouring villages to participate. They can pay an entry fee and we can give prizes!” People were silent. They did not know what to say. Mrs Cotswold had no idea what he was talking about and had a puzzled look on her face. Tall Tony thought about the idea, and it seemed to be the best one that had been suggested. He then explained to everyone that it was something that Buckleberry could do. Tall Tony then proceeded to explain what the race would look like and what would happen on the day. Mrs Cotswold felt happier that she understood more about the event. 

Tall Tony decided to delegate jobs. Invitations were needed, catering arranged, prizes to be found and organized. A list of what competitors could and could not do as well as what their billycarts would look like needed to be created. People excitedly put up their hands and formed small groups to offer to do one of the jobs. “Where will we have it?” called out Just Joan. Again, the barn became silent. Nonno Nico and Nonna Nina suggested that the event be held at their farm. They said they had enough room for people to park their cars. A large hill and paddock that currently were not being used would be good for the race and plus their large courtyard would be ideal for serving food and drink. Everyone thought that it was a brilliant idea.

The month leading up to the big event was busy for everyone. Already neighbouring villages had decided to create billycarts and said they would attend. Buckleberry also made a number of billycarts too. Policeman Mike and his friends made a billycart in the shape of a police car. “That was to be expected,” said Mrs Pepperpot. Mrs Cotswold invited her family to stay, and they made a billycart in the shape of a space rocket. Butcher Barry made his in the shape of a pirate ship. Baker Bunty made hers look like a donut. Farmer Ted had his son make one that looked like Woolly.

The night before the big race day, everyone gathered at Nonno Nico’s. People set up signs to show people where to park. Flags could be followed to guide people to the hill for the race and the courtyard for food and drink. Tables and chairs were set up, bales of hay provided extra seating. The pizza oven was stacked with wood. Nonna Nina had been busy making pasta and antipasto. Elderflower cordial and Nonno Nico’s wine was in the fridge for people to drink. Tall Tony set up microphones and a music stand. An area was cleared just in case people wanted to sing and dance. Everyone was so excited.

On the day of the race, everyone was at Nonno Nico and Nonna Nina’s farm early. Butcher Barry provided burgers and sausages for an early breakfast. Tall Tony gathered everyone for their last instructions. Everyone sat and waited for people to arrive. The people of Buckleberry waited and waited and waited. They thought that nearby villages were going to attend. They said they would but all they could hear was silence. Nothing! Farmer Ted said, “Something must have happened!” People sat and waited and waited some more.

At 10.am they hear a toot of a tractor. Everyone stood up and rushed to see. In their amazement there was a long row of tractors and trailers. On the trailers the bright, colourful, amazing billycarts stood out. The people of Buckleberry jumped up and down. Everyone “yahooed.” Farmer Toby was the first to greet everyone. He told them how the road into Buckleberry had been damaged due to the storm and people could not get into Buckleberry. “How did you do it?” asked Policeman Mike. “We went around and through fields.” said Farmer Toby. The neighbouring villages were aware of how much the event meant to Buckleberry and they could not let the people down. “We would not miss this for the world!” said Farmer Toby.