THE St Mary's Church Fete in Fownhope, now an annual event, was held in brilliant weather; the sun shone, the schoolchildren sang, the stalls were full and staffed and the public came through the gates of the Rectory Garden in record numbers.

Although most of the proceeds went to St Mary's Church, a percentage was earmarked for Vennture, a local charity that supports street pastors in Hereford.

John Campion, police and crime commissioner for West Mercia Police, opened the fete and noted how pleased he was to be invite to a 'non-police' community event where he could meet members of the community and respond to their needs.

Measures to reduce vehicles speeding through the village en route to Ross or Hereford was the most common complaint.

Working with the community police team, people from the village will monitor vehicles that disregard the speed restrictions closely over coming weeks and months.

For the first time in many years, professional artists exhibited their work and their expertise at the fete, including a potter Erin Pinney and a basket weaver Clyde Hoare from Wobage Art Gallery. There was a Traidcraft stall and a wide range of stalls offering teas, cake, ice-creams (very popular on such a hot day), plants, produce, preserves and pot-luck opportunities.