Opinion: Birstall Chamber of Trade president Anne Thompson

There’s nothing like a bit of sunshine to cheer people up, and getting us out and about. And that’s what we hope you’ll all do on August 16 at the Birstall Summer Fair.

Plans are now forging ahead and we hope to bring you a fun day for all the family with plenty of events and activities.

The Chamber of Trade is having a “Teddy Tombola”, so if you have any teddies or soft toys you can donate, please bring them to Anjie at the Pet Shop, Nicola at Bishop’s bakery or me at Seaspray.

Watch out for posters around the village as Birstall turns red, white and blue through August.

We’ll also need volunteers on the day, so if you can spare and hour of your time, please pop into the chippy, Cobbles or the Pet Shop and we’ll take your details.

Our fundraising for the Christmas Lights has now finished, and through the generosity of local businesses and the support of people like you, we have raised more than £3,600! This will now be used to purchase a permanent feature for the village.

I’d also like to thank Park House Healthcare for their donation, and Mr Stoller and Mrs Ehrhart, of South View Barn, for their generous contribution and kind words of appreciation.

I’d like to apologise for the temporary closure of the public toilets recently. Unfortunately they had been vandalised and had to be closed until repairs were made.

We’re working hard to keep the loos open, so if you see anything suspicious, please let one of the traders know, or report it to the police.

It’s judging day for Yorkshire In Bloom on Wednesday.

The In Bloomers have been working their socks off, and we’d like to wish them every success with the judging.