I WONDER if I might have some space in the newspaper to praise the organisers of Shipton fete on the 11 June?

It must have been quite stressful after the weather forecast predicted a deluge about three in the afternoon. We actually just had slight drizzle. It was one of the very best fetes that Shipton Bellinger has held and we've had lots of good ones over the years.

There were lots of things to attract a person’s attention. Magnificent motor bikes for people to sit and have pictures taken, a miniature railway and a herd of alpacas. There were many stalls ranging from knitted animals and blankets and other lovely things, garden plants, sweets, a beer tent, the most exquisite crafts, a books and cakes stall.

These days people are so talented and seem to spend a lot of time making beautiful things. I enjoyed the Carrick sisters and they have an album out on release. Well done to them and thank you. Help the heroes had a stall with lots of nice nick knacks. Then there was the burger bar and I hope the Benton duo and helpers sold out. There was a long queue when we left the field.

The one thing that for me was captivating were a group of children from yellow class at Shipton Primary and they danced to Irish music, I wanted to get up there with them but decided to just clap my hands in tune. Well done all of you and to the organisers of that little dance group. Let’s have more from our children for future events. They will guarantee drawing a crowd. All in all it was a terrific day. Well done the organisers and it was a great idea having bales of straw for people to sit on. This helps with seating tremendously.

The next day we held a birthday celebration to celebrate our Queen’s 90th birthday. This was also good fun with games, a quiz, singing happy birthday, some hymns and prayers followed by a banquet fit for Her Majesty.

My husband Ken and I were asked to cut the birthday cake which was very tasty and looked wonderful. It seemed a shame to cut it. A special thank you to Rev Sandra Williams who is an asset to our village and draws people together. Well done Sandra and hubby, and to Wendy and her husband who take part in many of the great events in our Hampshire village.

Thank you to our wonderful Andover Advertiser team God bless one and all.

Josephine Smith, Hedges Close, Shipton Bellinger