I WOULD like to say "thank you” to Wayne, James and the team of volunteers who put on an excellent inaugural family fun day in Porton village last weekend (July 21). The long hours of planning and hard work paid off and were greatly appreciated from the many hundreds of people who visited over the afternoon and evening. To have all the fun of a village fete plus a good display of vintage tractors, cars and motorbikes was most enjoyable, there was certainly something for all ages and the local Scouts worked very hard providing hot food throughout the afternoon. Come the evening the playing field turned into a mini festival with live music, a bar and curry; how nice to sit with friends on a warm summer’s evening listening to good music while children played happily and safely nearby.

Also most heartwarming was the sight of villagers chatting, many happy faces, the sound of laughter and a burgeoning sense of real community developing. I hope a considerable sum of money has been raised for a similarly great event next year. While I am certain there will be lessons to be learned from the day, perhaps parking (as highlighted in last week’s Journal Postbag), my overriding impression was of a great family day that brought together a host of happy people who are still stopping each other in the village to comment on it.

Katherine Wilford

Porton