SHERFIELD Fete: After a cold windy morning, the fete was opened by Ranil Jayawardena, newly elected MP for NE Hampshire who lives in nearby Bramley.

Soundblast Sinfonia, a street-based band, provided live music for the opening and slowly the weather warmed up and the crowds arrived.

A new attraction was Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs which proved to be a popular feature with betting available with the Tote. Other animal attractions included alpacas, donkeys, sheepdog sweep rounding up geese and, of course, the annual dog show. There were children’s races, Morris dancing, and finally, the tug-of-war. The fete is supporting Headway, the brain injury association, as well as local groups.

NWR: Enjoyed a talk by Jacqui Morris on yoga and meditation. Jacqui explained about the history of yoga, the postures known as asanas, the breathing techniques and the powers of meditation, which help concentrate the mind and senses. She also spoke about the chakras, the energy centres on the front of the body which correspond with the concept of acupuncture and how yoga can assist a healthy lifestyle.