And didn't we do well? The sun was shining, the town was buzzing and, once again, Downham won a well-deserved trophy in the battle to provide another great family focused event.

Earlier in the week local schoolchildren enjoyed a lively Fen Dragon slaying and then on Friday the traffic-stopping fly-past moved us all wide eyed and spellbound. It, like the entire entertainment programme, was simply spectacular – a community coup.

Credit must go to all those involved in innovating, arranging and staging the events. Note should also be made of the crowds flocking to enjoy them – we like days like this! Rarely do we see the town square so busy; jostling there for seat and standing space is new to us, but on Saturday we found ourselves happily resolved to doing it.

Elsewhere in town it was also busy: A roving DADS group, a roaming town crier and face-painted children fluttering about on the town hall market place created a real party atmosphere.

The smell of caramelised onions wafting from the market's food van added more dimension, as did the bistro-style tables and chairs set out on Wales Court precinct.

One downside, as overheard from a High Street trader, was that shop business was slow for him on Saturday. But even he appreciates that on Saturday, many people came. And, chances are, now that they've sampled a little of what Downham's about, they will surely return for more. All in all, a good olde English winner!

• Latest news of the installation of CCTV tells of the town hall building being an unacceptable site place for the system's hub.


• Investigations are now under way to site it elsewhere, possibly on the public toilets building on the market place.

Meanwhile, investigations are also under way regarding the possibility of employing a funding consultant, linked in to local management of the town hall and other bigger projects such as the water festival and outreach youth scheme. This would initially be for a period of six months, renewable after five.

• Despite the expense of their goods, the speciality French and Italian markets in town always prove popular to Downham shoppers. Deep down, we're a discerning lot with a taste for rich variety.

Good news then that these markets will continue to be encouraged into town and may soon include the regular addition of a German one to be held as a street market. Look out for more details later in the year.

• Finally, personal childhood memories of watching Downham's festival parade include sweets falling from the sky like they were going out of fashion. Having later accepted these goodies were actually being thrown from the floats I unashamedly chased them all the way through town until I'd either had my fill or the sweetie skies had cleared.

Recent memories include being handed enough promotional leaflets to fill a green recycle bin and dodging heavy thunderstorms.

But, I won't let this put me off because this year and I have every hope that every festival float in Downham's 34th festival parade will be sweetie- stocked to the nines. Please? The children, young and old, would love it!