A SMALL traditional village pub with a loyal group of locals helping had its annual harvest auction the other weekend. The New Inn, Ruspidge, was busy with a friendly atmosphere as bidding got underway to clear all of the hundreds of items donated by locals and local businesses.

It was going to be hard to beat the ever increasing records that are seemingly set every year but it was done yet again. This year all money was split between Friends of the Dilke Hospital (to purchase a reclining chair) and Talking Books.

It may not be the largest total raised in the Forest but for a small village local the total of over £1,310 and, still as I type this rising, is incredibly good. Thanks to all who supported and a huge thanks to Dee and Vic for all the effort they put into this every year. – Matt Caldwell, Ruspidge.