Following the 2025 warmest spring since records began and the driest spring for over 50 years, many pairs of anxious eyes were constantly reviewing the BBC weather app; which was initially forecasting it to break in the early hours of 5^th July – the day of our annual summer fete.

As the countdown to the big event hurtled along, the prediction was for showers throughout the afternoon – but with just 24 hours to go it was looking more favourable. The day dawned warm and dry. Even the brisk breeze (which significantly tested the three new heavy-duty gazeboes) did little the hamper what turned out to be a thoroughly successful event.

Long before the gate opened at 1.00 there was a queue of visitors eager to seek out a bric-a-brac bargain, try their luck on the bottle tombola and whisky galore, purchase plants to enhance their gardens and enjoy delicious refreshments of cakes, cream scones, burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches and beverages. Throughout the afternoon, the garden swelled as the stalls were visited and organised games were played whilst being entertained by the delightful repertoire from the brass band.

To summarise, the day proved every bit the quintessentially English summer fete.