EASTON villagers proved it will take more than grey skies to dampen their spirits. Ferret racing, a novelty dog show and the White Elephant stall confirmed it was business-as-usual at the annual Easton Fete. At the home of Easton and Martyr Worthy Cricket ground, and in front of a gleaming village hall, locals were out in force on Bank Holiday Monday (August 27).

Reverend Andrew Micklefield got proceedings under way at 2pm, but responsibilities did not stop there for Itchen Valley's rector. “I judged the dogs' waggiest tale competition and there were some very waggy tales. It was a difficult decision but we got the right winner I think.”

Turn out for the Easton fete is always strong - indeed it's one of the few villages that can sustain an annual, rather than bi-annual fete - and organiser Judy Bishop was satisfied with this year's numbers. She said: “All 800 programmes have gone, so we have had well over a thousand people. I mean, if you look at the magician's show it's absolutely choc-a-bloc.”

As ever, children delighted in being hurtled across the field in the wheelbarrow race, with a wide range of refreshments on offer afterwards for thirsty parents. The ferret racing was back by popular demand, raising a cacophony of barks from canine fete-goers. John and Liz Platt of Martyr Worthy are Easton Fete veterans. Mr Platt said: “They manage this fete extremely well. It's a very well-run affair. This one always seems to have a good range of things and we know a lot of people here, so we enjoy coming.”

The now ubiquitous White Elephant stall, where unwanted household items are donated and sold on to villagers, did a roaring trade. “It's always so busy, every year. It is absolutely not full of rubbish in there” Judy said.

Summer fetes are often considered a quintessentially British tradition, and this year's Easton's fete proved the tradition is alive and kicking.