Last Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting the Courteenhall Fete, the biennial event that focuses on raising money to support the beautiful local Church of St Peter and St Paul which dates from the 12th Century.

It’s a great local event which attracts people from all across South Northamptonshire with its charming “ye olde” English heritage; lashings of strawberries and cream on offer, a silver band, lots of wonderful farm animals, and so much more. There was no short supply of delicious food and great music!

The fete was held in the grounds of beautiful Courteenhall, a fine example of Georgian architecture which retains most of its original features and is a Grade II* listed building. Home of the Wake family who have been in Northamptonshire for generations, I was warmly welcomed by Johnny Wake with whom I took the opportunity to speak all matters farming and Brexit. I was, of course, saddened by the death of Hereward Wake at the grand old age of 101 last December.

I’m a huge advocate of getting out into our beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and supporting our local communities; do let me know of any events going on in your parishes, and I will do my best to stop by and say hello!