The third Mortimer Fun Day on July 2nd was yet again a resounding success. In its new location on the back field on the Fairground it attracted over 5000 people. Just about every local organisation was represented by a stall or by providing an event. Attractions from previous years such as the 4-in-1 bungee trampoline were augmented by Zorb balls.

On Saturday 2nd of April the Horse and Groom garden was the venue for setting off on Mortimer's second annual village spring clean. The weather was kind and come the afternoon the sun was almost shining. The turn out was up on last year and over 50 volunteers were kitted out with gloves, jackets, bags and litter pickers, all provided by West Berkshire Council.

The MVP AGM and Celebration took place on Sunday 27th March in the Methodist Church Hall. A good number of people came to see displays of MVP activities and events and by affiliated groups. After presentation of the chairman's report, a revision of the constitution and the adoption of the accounts, a celebration cake was enjoyed by one and all.

Following our coming first in the Berkshire Community Empowerment Awards last November, MVP went on to the South East Regional competition organised by the South East Rural Community Council and South East Regional Empowerment Partnership. This week we were very fortunate to be judged 3rd among twelve groups, all with very interesting and inspiring projects.

The much awaited new playground area was officially opened by Rebecca Barker (Parish Council Chairman) on Sunday 27th February. Many happy children threw themselves with gusto at all the exciting equipment. The project was funded by a combination of a Playbuilder grant and S106 money (payments from local developers for local amenities).

Mortimer FC's 2 new Youth football teams were created this time last year and have grown rapidly as children from local villages including Padworth, Silchester, Bucklebury, Aldermaston, Burghfield, Tadley and Grazely have come together to learn how to play a team sport and to get healthy exercise.

This year saw Together in Mission able to put the Christmas tree kindly donated by Englefield Estate on the Fairground.

On Sunday 22nd November, children gathered in the Community Centre to make decorations for the tree from lollipop sticks, pingpong balls, and lots of glitter!  During the week the tree was erected and the decorations put on it. 

The traditional Remembrance Parade and Service took place on 14th November. There was a good attendance as shown by photographs courtesy of Andrew Ryan. 

This year's Fun Day was a great success not only in terms of the great time had by one and all but also in terms of the money raised for local charities and organisations.