AUCTION - Another event helping to raise funds for the new village hall in Moccas was a grand auction which raised £780. A wide variety of goods went 'under the hammer', from furniture, china and glassware to plants, old bicycles and bric-a-brac, even honey and eggs. The bids ranged from as little as 25p to more than £30 each for a silver-framed mirror and a Victorian washstand. Local farmers, Owen and Will Whittall, did splendid work of sharing the job of auctioneer.

DEER PARK - English Nature and the Chester-Master family held an open day at Moccas Deer Park. Local schools recently took part in a tree-planting scheme in the park and many of the children's paintings were on display in the marquee, which also housed information stands for English Nature and the Bat Group. There were guided walks and activities for children, horse and carriage rides, a breakfast for early walkers, a pig roast, whistle making, and an amazing machine that peeled, cored and sliced apples in a spiral all in one go. Deer were seen during the deer walk and the waves of bluebells added a splash of colour to the park.