RESIDENTS in Owslebury proved on Saturday that sometimes the best things come in small packages.

The summer fete in Glebe Field, next to St Andrews’ Church, was packed but could have been mistaken for a grand garden party, which only enhanced the intimate, local feel of the occasion.

Undeterred by the grey, blustery weather, villagers turned out in droves to try their hand at the coconut shy, hunt for a bargain amongst the bric-a-brac, or take their pets for a spin at the dig show.

Proceeds from the fair will go towards much needed improvements at St Andrews’ Church.

Church warden, David Bartholomew, said: “Look! The whole village is here! It’s wonderful and the great thing is that the village does come out for this, almost ‘come what may’, and it’s a good meeting point.”

“I didn’t put my dog in the show as he’s blind and deaf and 15-years-old, so I thought I’d leave him out.”

Around 200 people attended what was a traditional, quintessentially English village get-together.

And what’s an English village fete without the vicar?

Rev Jonah Watts said: “I think this is a wonderful example of how a community comes together to celebrate all the different aspects of country life. It’s about people stopping to take the time to talk to each other. Some people here have perhaps not seen each other for some time and if the church is about anything, it’s about community.”

Nigel White, of was there in his capacity as coordinator of Owslebury Horticultural Show, rustling up entrants for an event returning after decades of dormancy.

He said: “It’s being resurrected after 40 years. It’s come back here and there in other guises, but it’s not been held properly, in this way, for 40 years. I think there’s been a resurgence of interest in gardening and cooking, on the television, and so i think it’s the right time.”