Sunday 26th June was thankfully warm and sunny for Longcot’s Village Fair and Fun Dog Show, the first to be run for many years.

The day was organised to raise funds for Longcot’s local church, St. Mary’s, and its Open Door project.

Crowd numbers were estimated at over 800 with visitors from all the surrounding towns and villages. Having been officially opened by BBC Radio Oxford’s Phil Mercer, everyone was treated to a host of activities and treats from Dodgems and Bouncy Castle to a display of vintage cars, face painting and Morris Dancers. Inside the giant marquee, which had been generously supplied by The Old Berks Hunt, the ‘covered market’ was packed with local stalls selling jewellery, hand crafted walking sticks, plants, toys, aromatherapy and gifts while the large café served delicious home-made cakes and refreshments. And all under the benevolent gaze of the Uffington White Horse.

By five o’clock, the Hog Roast and BBQ had sold out, while Longcot’s local, the King & Queen, had managed a busy bar with Keg bitter and chilled Lager flowing freely all day.

Despite the hot sun, the Fun Dog Show, organised by Edna Gardner and Trish Bedford, attracted over 100 entries, with Hayley Miller from Highworth winning Best in Show with her chocolate Labrador, Tessa. The Best Reserve, Harold, owned by Katie Fitzgibbon was also from Highworth!

Thanks to all the volunteers and supporters, the day raised in excess of £4,000 for St Mary’s Open Door Project. Chairman of the Open Door Committee, Keith Reid said: “The village pulled out all the stops to make the day a success and we couldn’t have wished for better weather. We would like to thank everyone who helped organise the Fair, the companies and charities who took stalls, our sponsors and the Old Berks Hunt for lending us the venue and the giant marquee