SUMMER festival: over two thousand people are estimated to have visited the Hatch Warren Summer Fair on Saturday. It was well worth a visit. As well as usual stalls like 'Guess the Weight of the Cake' and the tombola, many of the local charities also were present as well as arts and crafts businesses. The fire service was there and offered to spray the crowds on what was a beautifully hot day. Inside the Community Centre refreshments were free, with donations welcomed. The volunteers had thought through the organisation and the format very well, ensuring that this was a true family occasion and everyone had a great time. Hatch Warren is rightly proud of its Community Association - as well as a wonderful summer fair we now host one of the few remaining (and the best) firework displays in Basingstoke.

SUCCESS for St Mark's: Our local CofE school has been pleased to announce that it raised over £2,800 from its own summer fair, smashing its previous record.

HATCH Warren juniors have been joining in the end-of-term fun. Year 4 had a camp on the school field. Delayed a little by a short thunderstorm, they put up tents and cooked marshmallows on open fires as well as taking part in tree-art and other outdoor activities. The day was rounded off with burgers, sausages, beans and cake and a silent disco.

BIN collections: As many of us already know, the council is currently experiencing difficulties with bin collections. Regular updates are posted on the following link, but please let me know if have any further queries: basingstoke.gov.uk/service-updates.