Last weekend was all about local festivities and also another word, which I’ve been a strong advocate of over the past few years since writing for the Surrey Comet: ‘Community’.

Saturday gone started quite early for me as I needed to fit in a long cycle ride, which meant a 4am start to get me to Brighton in good time for me to then catch a train home so the family could get to the Ham Common Fair!

Luckily it all went to plan and when we did eventually get there, the action was in full swing.

I love Ham Common and have spent many a day sunbathing, picnicking and running around after the children there, so it’s incredible when it’s packed full of people having a great time.

This event was so well organised with lots of things to do and see for all the family and is now an annual event in our diary.

We had fun on the rides, listened to the band playing, enjoyed a cheeky frankfurter and the children even sat in a police car!

Then before I knew it, it was Sunday. That morning, after my daughter reluctantly allowed my husband and me to wash and comb her beautiful mane of her hair (yes it takes two of us) which took a whole three hours and a quite a bit of tears, we headed out the front door to our street party.

Gazebos were up, food set out and neighbours were in high spirits. It’s amazing how you can live on a road and not know the people who actually live a stone’s throw away from you.

This was soon rectified with friendly introductions and sharing of food which was delicious.

It was wonderful to see my children ‘scooting’ and running up and down the street they have lived on since the day they were born without a care in the world.

I could imagine how this sense of freedom and strong community ties were vital and important in years gone by.

The intermittent showers didn’t dampen the day and luckily the sun emerged for most of it.

It’s really important for me to create memories and experiences that are special for my family so we can talk and laugh about them for years to come, and last weekend was definitely one to remember!