Sir.-In excess of £4,000 was raised at the recent Sherfield-on-Loddon fete, and a fun day was had by all.

I would like to express my huge gratitude to the members of the organising committee for their enormous efforts in achieving this success and a relatively incident free day!

There is often talk of community spirit dying and village life being dead. We do not find this in Sherfield where we are a thriving, evolving and involving community.

There was so much at the fete to enjoy that it is difficult to single any one thing out. However, the arrival and departure of the Chinook helicopter, I believe, drew a larger-than-usual crowd to the green and deserves special mention.

Thanks and well done to Jacqui Skillett for her youthful enthusiasm, determination and skillful negotiation in pulling off this great achievement.

I'm already looking forward to next year's fete.

-Chris Horton, Poplar Close, Sherfield on Loddon.

Sir.-On behalf of the Dummer Riding for Disabled Group, I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who came to the fundraising afternoon at Dummer.

Thank you to the organisers and helpers.

The money raised will help immensly and ensure that the RDA group can continue their good work with the children.

-Mrs H Hooley (parent), Abbey Road, Basingstoke.