AFTER a rather damp start, the grand fete at Steepleton Manor enjoyed some lovely sunshine, which soon dried out the splendid assortments of small tents and gazebos.

A tour of the many sideshows and other attractions soon sent supporters in search of a vital cup of tea.

No surprise to find that this had been catered for by Angela and her willing group of Women's Institute (WI) members.

This most successful event raised an amazing sum of nearly £1300 for the upkeep of the Valley churches in the Benefice.

Thanks to all of those who worked so hard to run the event and gave their vital support.

TEAM Vicar for the Benefice of the Winterbourne and Compton Valence John Good has written to all with regard to the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the UK in September.

John invites all Christians from different traditions who live within the Benefice to join together in Martinstown Parish Church at 6pm on Wednesday, September 15 for evening prayer in order to pray together for greater harmony and peace in our country and in the wider world - something that is vitally important to hand on to future generations.

Having scoured the Valley Parish magazine from cover to cover, I began to think that the forthcoming Bank Holiday had drawn a blank for the local community and beyond.

I have now been assured that it was an oversight and a matter of crossed wires as the usual Oddfellows Fete will be taking place on the Martinstown cricket field near Ashton.

It is a lovely setting just below Maiden Castle and hopefully the weather will co-operate.

However, this event does need the enthusiastic support of the local community as well as visitors who come from further afield.

Car parking is not a problem and all tastes will be catered for with traditional Ploughman's lunches and irresistible cream teas as well as a barbecue and ice cream.

There will be plenty of stalls and sideshows plus the tantalising coconut shy and, of course, no fete would be complete without skittles and a bouncy castle for the children.

There will be a modest admission fee for adults and children are free.

IT is a well-known fact that many folk still do not read their parish magazine but do find their way into the Echo for village news.

Therefore, I will pass on thanks from Sheila Parker for all the help she is receiving from so many kind people during her long haul back to good health.

She is one of those fantastic people with never a moaning complaint who sends her visitors away feeling more cheerful than when they arrived and that is an accolade she truly merits.

THE WI autumn sale stall will be on the green on Saturday, September 4 from 2pm-4pm.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 8 at 6.45pm where Debbie Marsh of Hotter Shoes will provide a talk on 'Happy Feet'.