Year of the rat?

Remember summer? Plenty of rain, yes, but long holidays, long evenings and nobody talking about the credit crunch. Pictured are two contestants playing Splat the Rat at this summer's St Mary's Church fete which raised nearly £1,500 for the church's Help for Heroes appeal in support of wounded soldiers in Afghanistan and their families.

As well as splatting the rat, visitors at the fete had the chance to win on the raffle, test their skill at the bagatelle table and splash out on a good selection of second hand books, plants and clothes.

Thanks to Andrew and Katherine Pickthorn for hosting the afternoon and to the rat for enduring such a punishing schedule – all in a good cause.

Inside ...

From the Rector Parish pump My Faith Spiritual life Five minutes with … Story of a flower girl Merry music to the ears Anyone for sailing?

Orphans of Veliko Turnovo Fighting for the peace The writing on the wall The making of a bestseller Good read Nature notes Where in Woodbridge? Junior Outlook