What a summer – I rather think most people can’t wait to see the autumn. But it wasn’t all gloom. The Bruton Church Fête (see page 35) was highly enjoyable, and made over £2,000. This was pretty good as, in view of the forecast, there was a strong possibility that the whole thing would have to be scratched. In the event, nobody got stuck in the mud, or even very wet.

The Orchestra in a Field event at Glastonbury at the end of June (see page 15) was fun, and At the Chapel did a particularly good refreshments tent there. That weekend wasn’t too damp, either. As I write, we wait to see what the weather will do to the Bank Holiday fêtes at Shepton Montague and Batcombe. But knowing the organisers, I’m sure these events are still very well worth attending, whatever the skies throw at us.


It’s gratifying to see a local school getting into the national newspapers, and Bruton School for Girls is to be congratulated on its team of ace spellers, who made it to the finals of The Times Spelling Bee in June. Well done Lily McCarry, Kirsty Sadler, Beatrice Thomas and Eloise Bance, and their teacher Nicola Eggertsen (mis-spelt by The Times, as it happens!).
A warning to all who park in Bruton High Street: for some weeks now, the two-hour restriction has been quite rigorously enforced, and those who leave their cars for several hours or even days have learnt to their cost that this is not a good idea. It’s noticeable that there are now more spaces to be found, and let’s hope the High Street trade is picking up as people from the towns and villages around can now stop and make purchases rather than driving on because there is simply nowhere to park.

Elisabeth Balfour