CHURCHSTOKE Funday returns this weekend with two days of family entertainment planned. Record crowds of more than 3,000 people attended last year’s event, which raised more than £40,000 for local causes, and the organisers are hoping even more will turn out to enjoy the newly extended funday. It begins early on Saturday, August 2, with performances from Jonny Keeley and Sean Gaffney. Rock covers band Rule No 1 will be headlining the event, belting out a medley of hits from The Who to The Jam. The following day visitors can take part in activities including go-karting and long bow archery tuition, as well getting the chance to try out more extreme opportunities such as helicopter rides. There will also be a food fayre, dog show, motorcycle display team and children’s entertainment. The six Harry Tuffins stores were acquired by The Midcounties Co-operative in May 2012, and the society has continued the Fun Day tradition. The event will raise money for a number of local charities and community organisations and is made possible by Roy and Ruby Delves, who allow the event to take place within the beautiful surroundings of their country park. Last year’s Fun Day raised £43,000 for more than 200 local causes such as Hope House Hospice, the Churchstoke Bowling Club, Churchstoke Playgroup and Dial a Ride Newtown. Organisers are hoping to go one further and beat that with this year’s total.All the money raised helps local causes that continue to provide essential services to local people, and supporting such organisations is part of the society’s commitment to give back to the communities in which it trades. Maxine Sharman, head of community engagement at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “We hope that the event will help to bring the community together over the whole weekend while raising money for fantastic local causes from across Shropshire and Powys. “This year we’ve pulled out all the stops to make the event bigger and better than before so we hope visitors can join us to help make the weekend unforgettable, and help us to continue supporting local causes to achieve their goals.” The event takes place on Saturday, August 2, from 4pm and on Sunday, August 3, between 10am to 4pm at the Harry Tuffins Churchstoke store.  For more information visit www.harrytuffin.co.uk/funday2009.aspx