THE Minsteracres summer fair is on Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. There will be live music, refreshments and children’s games, along with a wide variety of stalls including gift and bottle tombolas, cakes, plants, books, accessories and jewellery, toys, crafts and flowers.

I MADE a mistake last week when I said that the home-made tea in the garden on Sunday 19th June raised £524 in aid of Mind. The figure was actually £564 – apologies to Philippa Harpin and her wonderful team for understating their success! The next garden tea at 25 Cade Hill Road is on Sunday, July 17, and proceeds go to Tynedale Hospice at Home. Gates are open between 3pm and 6pm, with the last tea served at 5.15pm. Visitors are welcome to stroll around the garden. Tickets are available in advance or on the gate.

ANOTHER Stocksfield garden is open to visitors on Sunday, July 17. As part of the National Gardens Scheme raising money for nursing and caring charities, The Beacon, 10 Crabtree Road, will be open between 2pm and 6pm. This garden illustrates how to make a cottage garden, with loads of interest at different levels. Planted with acers, roses and a variety of cottage garden and formal plants, the garden offers stunning colour and plant combinations. Water runs gently through it and there are tranquil places to sit and talk or just reflect. Cream teas will be available. Visiting groups of 10 or more are welcome, but please get in touch first. Tel. 01661 842518 or email patandderek@btinternet.com

IT'S that time of year again when the garden hedges grow faster with all the sunshine and rain, so if you have a hedge that borders a public footpath, please keep it trimmed so walkers and pushchairs have enough space.

STOCKSFIELD Methodist Church is open every Monday from 10.30am to midday, for anyone who wants to pop in and have a coffee. You’ll be very welcome.

IF you have anything for inclusion in the Stocksfield Village notes please email claredaltry@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07443 222 887