Once upon a time, almost every English village would have had its annual summer fair, bringing everyone together for an afternoon of fun for all the generations to enjoy together. But sadly these events are now not as commonplace as they used to be. However Bramshott Place Village, whose ethos is to create for its residents, that fundamental old-fashioned element so vital to our health and well-being, true community spirit, staged its own Country Fayre on September 10, reviving some of the old village fair traditions and adding some fun original ones. Despite adverse weather conditions, the result was a resounding success and hopefully the event will become part of the new Village's annual traditions!

Over 100 visitors and residents donned wet weather gear and in true English style, spent the afternoon watching a highly entertaining falconry display, listening to the rousing tones of an excellent Brass Band which had previously appeared at The Chelsea Flower Show, The Conservative Party Conference, and even played on Gardeners Question Time from the roof of John Lewis Oxford Street! Grandparents and grandchildren alike enjoyed testing their skills at old favourites such as the Hook a Duck and Tin Can Alley stalls, discovering what the future holds by consulting the fortune-teller, and being amused by a walkabout entertainer with various magic and conjuring tricks, as they enjoyed refreshments provided by the on-site Stirlings restaurant, and locally made Dylan's ice cream.

The event was officially opened by East Hampshire's MP, Damian Hinds, whose father and young children also enjoyed the various events of the afternoon. Reflecting on the contribution the new Village has made to the local community, Mr Hinds commented: "Bramshott Place Village is a wonderful model of what true village life should be and it is excellent to have this development as part of the wider Bramshott and Liphook community life."