THIS July the weather has not been very reliable to say the least, but the gods have certainly smiled on the three events held at Bill and Sue Kneebone's Long Paddock in Stratton this year.

Sunday, July 3 was a truly glorious summer's day when the ladies of Bude Inner Wheel held cream teas in the garden at Long Paddock.

The following Saturday a dry and cloudy day kept people off the beaches and they once again flocked to the Stratton Summer Fete in their hundreds to enjoy a traditional village fete with all the old-fashioned stalls and side-shows.

Finally, on Friday, July 15 'Bands in the Paddock' attracted over 300 people and, once again, after torrential downpours during the day, the weather cleared to a dry evening.

For the full report, and a round up of the local news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.