IT was an example of the great British spirit... hundreds of people turning out for the Children’s Fete at Faringdon Park on Saturday... despite the rain, the thunder and the mud.

The fete, first started in 1886 and reinvented in 2003, attracted supporters from all over Swindon. And it’s down to the tenacity of Hannah Parry and the Mechanics’ Trust that the day went off so well.

Not even the adverse weather conditions could dampen the spirits. In the words of Sean Haines, community development co-ordinator for the Railway Village: “When you look at the events that have been cancelled in Swindon this year, like the Mela and Armed Forces Day, it is a boost to have something coming back.”

How right he is, and the Children’s Fete is coming back with a vengeance in two years’ time when it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

As Hannah Parry says: “This fete is all about celebrating everything which is good about Swindon.”

Local performers, local businesses and local entertainers and organisers put their hearts and souls into the day and it was great that the public supported it.

We can’t do a thing about the weather, but we can show our backing for those in our town who really try to do something good.

We say well done to the Mechanics’ Trust.

Now here’s a thought... why don’t we all get on board with ideas and help to make the Children’s fete 150 one to really remember.