A VIOLENT hail storm did nothing to dampen the spirits at Chawton’s annual fete and horticultural show which raised a thundering £3,537.38 for village organisations.

Held on Saturday, August 5, in the grounds of Prowtings, by kind permission of Tom and Jenny Perring the event has been hailed another “great day and a great success”.

The Chawton Fete Committee thanked the Old Man Friday Gang (and one lady) who set up the gazebos and tent and to “the stall holders and volunteers who helped to organise, set up and run the fete and clear up at the end, including Richard Pink and Simon Hadley for the transport, and Simon for supplying the gazebos.”

Thanks go also to Fran and Trevor Jones of The Greyfriar for the beer tent, Nick Benham and his team for the barbecue, and to everyone who donated prizes and equipment, needed to make the fete go with a swing.

Also mentioned were Peter Holland for his NG TF classic car, Peter Stevens for his classic Land Rovers, Solent MG owners club, Martin Kitching – parking cones –and Target Football, Mary Knight for her Safecracker game, and the McKells for the crockery smashing stall.

Sponsors including Redemptorist’s Publications for printing advertising posters, Jone and Jones landscape gardeners of Four Marks and A&G Engineering, Alton, and the sponsoring of the Hampshire Regency Dancers by Anthony (Jumbo) Fuller.

A quiz at The Greyfriar compiled Richard Duval and the auctioning of a Mick Williams painting, contributed £225 to the fete’s coffers.

St Nicholas Church, Chawton Pre-School, Chawton Cricket Club, Chawton WI, Chawton Village Hall, the Mother and Toddler Group, Chawton School Support, and the children’s Christmas party will share the profits of £393.04. Chawton Horticultural Society its shar.