On Saturday 1 August we held our Summer Fayre at Abbotswood Sports Field and Pavilion. It was a free afternoon for everyone, from noon until 4pm, and the field filled up with neighbours, friends and plenty of visitors from further afield.

There were 23 stalls to browse, plus games, food, and plenty for children to do — a climbing wall, a surfboard simulator, and more. Entertainment ran through the day, with six performers on through the afternoon.

Among them were Janine May and her FitSteps team, who meet at the Community Centre on Mondays and were back for their third year, dancing in the heat and getting people joining in. Romsey Old Cadets Association brought drums, jesters and a knight, and the Mayor — gold chain and all — was out on the field with everyone else.

We were delighted to welcome the Mayor and Caroline Nokes MP, who came along to enjoy the day with residents.

None of it happens without people giving their time. Fifteen volunteers kept the fayre running, from setting up to packing away, and Test Valley Borough Council and Romsey Town Council helped make free entry possible.

Local businesses donated raffle prizes, including Paws for Thought Cat Café and The Brazen Butchers.

Thank you to everyone who came, volunteered, performed or ran a stall. You made it a proper Abbotswood day.